St. Patrick’s Day Recipe – Healthy of Course!
By Michelle Sala, Integrative Health Coach
St. Patty’s Day is almost here, but don’t bother with that salty corned beef and cabbage, which isn’t really traditionally Irish anyway! Corned beef is to Irish Americans as spaghetti and meatballs is to Italian Americans. It’s not something they had back in their homeland, but an adaptation they made with what was available in the new world.
If you want to make a more traditional Irish meal, try making a satisfying Shepherd’s Pie! I created this recipe several years ago because I wanted a gluten-free and white potato-free (nightshade free) healthier version. I’ve make this several times during the winter season when cold nights call for something warm and comforting. It is so yummy!
While I didn’t mention shitake mushrooms in the recipe, I often add them to the meat mixture. I buy them fresh at Trader Joe’s and slice up the contents of one package and add right after the meat is no longer pink.
I highly recommend that you DON’T use the orange sweet potatoes, or yams, because the flavor is too strong and will overwhelm your meat filling. I like the light sweet potatoes with the light creamy flesh. You can also steam a head of cauliflower cut up in florets then whipped with butter and milk of choice, for a lower-carb option. Puréed celery root (celeraic) or parsnips would also make a great low-carb alternative to sweet potatoes.
To go along with your meat pie, I love this gluten-free Irish Soda bread that I’ve been making for years! It’s super easy to make and I use the recipe as a base, leave out the raisins and will add herbs to make an herby bread. It goes great with chili too.
Add a green salad and you have the perfect meal!
Click here to access the recipe. Enjoy!
