It’s gluten, grain, and dairy free and totally Whole30 approved. This reinvented vegetarian Shepherd’s pie is topped with a sweet potato mash and still so cozy and comforting.
Let’s talk about how SRSLY amaze it is that you can create ground meat-like texture from WALNUTS and CAULIFLOWER. It was first discovered while perusing Pinterest, and then trying it in the Thai veggie burger recipe, AND THEN having my taste buds fall off my head when I realized that (for once!) something on Pinterest actually works EXACTLY like it says it’s going to.
We’ve all had our share of Pinterest fails. I FEEL YOU. 
Pretty sure that there is a VRY VRY tiny wizard living inside my food processor, because there is FOR SURE some kind of magical-sorcery that goes on when you pulse-pulse-pulse raw cauliflower and roasty-toasty walnuts inside. They crumble up and jumbles together in a way to makes you think of GROUND MEAT.
I feel like in the back of all of our childhood memories, sits a dinner table with a steaming-hot Shepherd’s pie on top. Whether it was on yo’ Mommas weekly dinner rotation, or whether it was your G-Ma’s specialty, it was ALWAYS THERE.
There’s something about juicy bits of ground beef, mixed with tender veggies, a MISHMASH of herbs and a light, airy, BUTTERY hug of mashed potato goodness that just bridges ALL gaps and brings people to the table to eat REALLY GOOD FOOD together. Bring in the cauliflower! Bring in the walnuts! Ix-Nay on the ground beef! Keep the ‘taters and veggies!
There’s this tiny place inside of my soul that is crying about leaving out the corn and peas in the current-Shepherd’s-pie-scenario of life that we’re in. But inner-me wanted you (crazy) people who are attempting a Whole30 during the holiday season to have comfort-food-yums too.
You’re welcome.
If you’re not one of those crazy people, I’ll totally look the other way if you do a little corn + pea mix-er-oo.
As they say: you do you.
As you dig through the layer of whippy-lightly-sweet potatoes, you unlock the treasure in the middle of it all: our faux-veggie-nut-meat, simmering with herbs, tangy tomato and a PUNCH of salty broth.
I should call this “thanksgiving Shepherd’s pie” because it gives his mouth ALL the cozy-feel-good vibes that eating something like easy gluten free stuffing or paleo sweet potato casserole would.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I achieve the ground meat-like texture with walnuts and cauliflower?
Pulse raw cauliflower and roasted walnuts in a food processor until they crumble and mix together, creating a texture similar to ground meat.
What type of sweet potatoes should I use for the mash?
Any variety of sweet potatoes will work, but orange-fleshed sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter and creamier, making them ideal for the mash.
Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut or seed in this recipe?
Yes, you can use pecans or sunflower seeds as substitutes for walnuts, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
