What's for dinner?

Okay, I have to tell you all about a new recipe I've discovered/invented; I call it "Mock Shepherds Pie".

As you may recall, some time ago I posted that I am on a low-carb diet. It gets tricky sometimes because there are so many things one can't eat. Staples, like potatoes, peas, carrots are a big no-no because of their high rating on the glycemic index.

One of the dishes I really miss is Shepherds Pie, so I decided to create my own "Mock" version and it's GREAT!

I tried it out on my friends who are not on a low-carb diet and they loved it. In fact I've been asked to make it several times since, including last night.

Any way, I thought I'd share, just in case anyone is interested in trying it (I was thinking of you specifically, Anna). Enjoy:

Diana's Mock Shepherds Pie

1 and1/2 lb of ground turkey or ground beef
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion chopped
1 jar of roasted red peppers (with the skins peeled off) chopped
1 bunch of celery chopped (the leaves too)
1 pkg of sliced mushrooms
2 heads of Cauliflower
4 cloves of garlic minced
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire Sauce
1 packet of powdered brown gravy mix
2 tablespoons of butter
1/4 cup of heavy cream
1 pkg of cheddar cheese shredded (or other)

Cut the Cauliflower into manageable bits and put on to steam (or boil) until tender.

Meanwhile, brown the meat in a large pan and then drain when done. Add the packet of brown gravy mix to the cooked ground beef (do not add water), also add the Worcestershire Sauce.

In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and then toss in the garlic and all the chopped veggies (not the cauliflower) allowing them to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the onions and celery feel tender but not mushy.

Combine the meat mixture and the sauteed veggies into a large baking dish (or divide between several ramekins) and set aside.

Take the steamed cauliflower and puree it in a food processor (you can also mash by hand if you don't have a processor) add butter, heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the pureed cauliflower mix on top of the meat mixture in your baking dish. Sprinkle as much cheese as you like on top of the cauliflower.

Bake for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Let cool for 5 minutes after cooking and then serve. Enjoy!

I am not sure what the carb count is per serving but I can tell you it is considerably less than traditional shepherds pie.