Paleo Stuffing (grain-free, gluten-free, vegan)

This may not be the traditional stuffing you are familiar with. It completely forgoes bread and can be enjoyed by folks with gluten sensitivities or on a lower carbohydrate diet. It is an excellent side dish that will not overwhelm your digestive system. Nutrient-dense and so satisfying! You can throw in some raisins, dried cranberries, or cherries to add just a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of Cauliflower (chopped into florets)

• 1 tbsp of Coconut Oil

• Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

• 1/2 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 4 cups Portobello Mushroom or Shiitake mushrooms (diced)

• 1 Leek (chopped)

• 3 stalks of Celery (diced)

• 1 cup of Walnuts

• 1 Lemon (juiced)

• 3 Garlic (cloves, minced)

• 1 tbsp Thyme (fresh or dried)

• 1/2 cup of Parsley (chopped)

• 1/2 tsp of Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss your cauliflower florets in coconut oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Spread the cauliflower across your baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

3. Remove cauliflower from the oven and set aside. Reduce oven heat to 375ºF (191ºC).

4. While your cauliflower roasts, place a frying pan over medium heat. Add half of your olive oil and saute mushrooms, leek, and celery for about 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft.

5. In a food processor, add the walnuts, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, parsley and sea salt. Add the remaining olive oil and roasted cauliflower and pulse (do not blend) until the mixture reaches a coarse, stuffing-like consistency. Do not over process as you do not want the mixture to turn into a paste. Note: If you don't mind some manual labor, you can skip the food processor and use a fork and knife to finely chop the stuffing. Once it reaches a good consistency, spoon the mixture into a baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes or so to prevent burning.

6. Remove from oven and transfer into a serving dish. Enjoy!

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition: Calories per serving: 376, Fat 34g, Sat. fat 6g, Carbs 15g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 8g,