Goa Sausage Meat Pie in a gluten free crust

In my quest for healthy and alternative substitutes for wheat, I have been creative with the crust in this "twisted" meat pie. I have been imagining this pie and creating ingredients and methods in my head for so long that it is fortuitous to actually do it for my birthday ( July 16) - a gift to myself. I have used cauliflower  as a base for the crust, and added Goa sausage to enhance the flavor of the minced meat.

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Ingredients for the crust

1 kg cauliflower florets (well drained )
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
1 egg

To make the crust

Preheat the oven to 425 F.  For this recipe I used a 17 inch spring form cake pan, lined with parchment paper and well greased. 

Cook the cauliflower in the microwave or stove top till soft.  Place it in a dish cloth and sueeze any excess water out.  This is an important step for a good crust.

Put the cauliflower in a food processor with a chopping blade and  process till it resembles fine breadcrumbs

Add the egg and mozzarella cheese and process

Remove the cauliflower blend from the processor bowl and empty into the cake pan.  With your hands gently press the mixture onto the bottom and about half an inch up the sides of the container.

 Sprinkle two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese on the crust and gently press into the mix.  Spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and cool. The crust will be firm and pulled away from the sides of the pan.

Leave aside to cool while you get the filling ready.

Ingredients for the filling

1 pound ground beef or lamb
2 Goa sausages (1/2 pound) removed from the casing
2 onions chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
salt to taste
1 tomato chopped
about 5 mushrooms sliced and halved
a few chopped cooked cauliflower florets (optional)
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped coriander
2 eggs slightly beaten

To make the filling

Preheat oven to 375 F

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan.  When hot add the onions and garlic and cook for a little bit. Add the tomato and mushrooms and cook till soft.

Now add the ground beef and break it up with your stirring utensil so that it does not clump. Add the sausage meat and cook till done. Throw in the coriander last and cook a little to blend flavors.Taste for salt, add more if needed.
Drain the meat of any excess oils. I did not want the crust to become soggy.  Leave to cool.
When cool add 2 eggs (beaten slightly) to the mix and blend well.   Layer the meat mixture in the pan and flatten gently.

Decorate with peppers and green chillies (optional)

Bake for about 15 minutes till firm and browned.  Remove . Cool a little.

  Remove from spring form and enjoy!