Are there any fans of the two comfort foods Shepherd’s pie and
potato au gratin out there?

Well, if you thought having a piece of shepherd’s pie or a serving
of potato au gratin were over, you’re in luck.

Listed below, are two recipes for lower calorie versions of the
carb-comforting staples and for an extra bonus-you’ll receive a
lower sodium recipe for a cheese sauce that you can put on
tacos, meat dishes, veggie dishes or used as a dip with tortilla chips.

Recipe No. 1-
Shepherd’s Pie With 60% Less Fat!
To make:
Boil about 4 to 5 medium potatoes until softened, remove the
water and set aside. Steam or cook in a little bit of water a head of
cauliflower, until softened, set aside.
Turn the oven on to 350*F.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef, 1 onion, finely sliced, 3 carrots, diced,
1/2 pound of mushrooms, for 8 mins. Stir in flour, 1 cup of beef or vegetable
broth, 1 cup of peas, 2 tsp. of dried thyme and 1 tsp. of salt, 1/4 tsp. of
pepper, 1/4 tsp. of turmeric. Transfer to a 2 qt. baking dish. Mash the potatoes,
the cauliflower, add 2/3 cup of milk and 2 Tbs. of butter until smooth.
Spread over the beef and bake for 25 mins.
Calories cut- 50 per serving.

Recipe No. 2-
Potato Au Gratin with 85% Less Carbs
To make:
Turn oven on to 400*F.
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of water,
8 oz. of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan,
4 oz. of goat cheese, 1/2 tsp. of salt and 1/4 tsp. of black pepper.
Add 1 head of cauliflower, (cut into florets) to 13″X 9″ baking dish.
Top with cheese mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 mins. or until tender.
Let cool for 10 mins. before serving.
Carb grams cut-35
Calories cut-170

Recipe No. 3-
Bonus Item, Squacho’ Sauce with 65% less sodium
To make: In a skillet, melt 2 Tbs. of butter over medium heat. Add
4 cups of diced butternut squash, 1 tsp. of chipotle powder and 1 tsp.
of salt. Cook for 5 mins. Add 4 oz. of pepper Jack cheese and 4 oz. of
cheddar, stirring until melted. Serve with tortilla chips or pour over tacos
or burritos.
Sodium mg. cut- 370
Calories cut-70

Sources:
* Jeff Mauro- Food Network Star
* Bobby Flay- Food Network Star
* Ellie Krieger, T.V. Chef and Cookbook author
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