Cauliflower Shepherd's Pie

My husband and I absolutely love shepherd's pie, but the gluten, dairy and inflammatory white potato don't love me, so I made this cleaned up version instead. This pie is just as satisfying and delicious and it's a great go-to comfort food dish when you want something really hearty. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• 1 head Cauliflower, chopped into florets

• 2 Tbsp Ghee, organic and grass-fed, divided

• 1 Yellow Onion, diced

• 4 Garlic Cloves, minced

• 1 lb Grass-Fed Lamb

• 3 cups organic Mushrooms, sliced or small diced

• 2 organic Carrots, diced

• 2 stalks organic Celery, diced

• 1 Tbsp organic Italian Seasoning (I like this one)

• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (add more or less to taste)

• 1-2 pinches Smoked Paprika, for garnish

• 1 tsp fresh organic Parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Place cauliflower florets in a medium sized steamer or saucepan with a steamer insert. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan, bring to a simmer and cover. Let the florets steam until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. While the cauliflower is steaming, heat half of the ghee/coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, onions and half of the garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
4. Add the meat, and cook until browned.
5. Add the mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and salt. Continue to cook for a few minutes, until the meat is cooked through. Remove from heat.
6. Remove the cauliflower and discard steaming water. Return the cauliflower to the pot and add the other half of the garlic and ghee/coconut oil and a sprinkle of salt. Mash well until the cauliflower becomes almost like a puree. Alternatively you can puree the cauliflower in a food processor.
7. Transfer the meat mixture to a casserole or pie dish and distribute into an even layer. Top with the cauliflower mash and spread it evenly across the top.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Turn the oven to a low broil and broil for 10 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven, garnish with smoked paprika and parsley and serve.

Variations:

• 100% Dairy-Free - Use coconut oil instead of ghee.
• Make individual servings in large ramekins or oven safe bowls.
• No Lamb - Use ground pasture-raised turkey or organic, grass-fed beef instead.
• Green Pea Lover - add 1/2 cup frozen organic green peas in step 5.