Here are today's six recipes to help you through the day, including Chicken Salad and Straight-Up Rhubarb Pie. Enjoy!
BERRY GOOD WORKOUT SMOOTHIE
This recipe, as well as the next one (Sunrise Smoothie) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.
This recipe begins, “Get the energy you need to power through your workout in minutes with this easy-to-make smoothie recipe. For an extra dose of calcium, try adding a teaspoon of Organic Kale Powder.”
Servings: 1
1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 162.5; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 41.5 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 32 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 5 mg
SUNRISE SMOOTHIE
This one begins, “Blend apricot and peach together, and your smoothie will look like an early-morning sunrise.”
Servings: 4
1 banana
1 cup apricot nectar, chilled
1 container (8 oz) low-fat peach yogurt
1 Tbsp frozen lemonade concentrate
1/2 cup club soda, chilled
Combine the banana, apricot nectar, yogurt, and lemonade concentrate. Process for 30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the club soda and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 130; Protein: 2.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 1.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 43.5 mg
STRAIGHT-UP RHUBARB PIE
This is from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, “This rhubarb pie contains no distractions, like strawberries. The crust is made with shortening. (Butter is fine if you want a French tart, but it's not American pie unless it's made with shortening, the author Anne Dimock said.) The top is marked with 8 razor-thin vents.”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Circular Thinking” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2/3 cup vegetable shortening, plus 2 tablespoons
6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
5 cups sliced rhubarb
1 1/4 cups sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Make the crust: before measuring the flour, stir it to leaven with air and then measure out 2 cups. Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Cut the shortening into the flour with a fork or pastry blender. Stop as soon as the sheen of the butter disappears and the mixture is a bunch of coarse pieces. Sprinkle a tablespoon of water at a time over the dough, lifting and tossing it with the fork. When it begins to come together, gather the dough, press it into a ball and then pull it apart; if it crumbles in your hands, it needs more water. (It's better to err on the side of too wet than too dry.) Add a teaspoon or two more water, as needed.
Gather the dough into two slightly unequal balls, the larger one for the bottom crust and the smaller one for the top. Flatten the larger ball, reforming any frayed edges with the sides of your hand. Dust with flour and roll the dough, starting from the center and moving toward the edges. Take a knife or thin spatula and quickly work its edge between the crust and the counter top. Lift the dough to the side; dust the dough and counter top with flour. Roll again until the diameter is an inch or 2 larger than that of the pie pan. Lay the rolling pin a third of the way from one of the edges. Roll the crust onto the pin and then unroll the crust into a 9-inch pie pan and press it into place. Place in the freezer.
Make the filling: in a large bowl, blend the rhubarb, sugar, flour and cinnamon. Pour into the crust-lined pie pan. Dot with butter.
Roll out the top crust. Dab the rim of the bottom crust with water to create a glue. Then place the top crust over the rhubarb; trim, seal and cut several vents. Bake for 15 minutes; reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake 25 to 30 minutes more, or until a bit of pink juice bubbles from the vents in the crust.
Tip
Anne Dimock's secret ingredient is Extra Fancy Vietnamese Cassia Cinnamon, available from Penzeys Spices, www.penzeys.com.
STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD
This recipe was found in an article on Prevention's website, titled “20 Scrumptious Strawberry Recipes.” Click here to see the article and all twelve recipes.
SERVINGS: 4
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
3/4 lb cubed cooked chicken breast
2 C strawberries, quartered
1 C tender watercress leaves
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Whisk together olive oil and vinegar in medium bowl.
Add chicken, strawberries, watercress leaves, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
NUTRITION (per serving): 228 cal, 27 g pro, 7 g carb, 2 g fiber, 10 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 286 mg sodium
CHEESY TACO NOODLES
This came from Delish, and starts off, “Say hello to your favorite new twist on tacos.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large white onion, chopped
1/2 jalapeño, minced
salt for seasoning
1 lb. ground beef
2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
12 oz. No Yolks® Extra Broad Noodles
1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
3 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar
1 1/2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and season with salt. Cook until tender, 5 minutes, then add jalapeño. Cook 2 minutes more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 6 minutes, then drain the fat. Add the taco seasoning.
Add No Yolks noodles and stir until coated in beef mixture, then add fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until noodles are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.
Remove from heat and add both cheeses and toss to coat.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.
SPRINGTIME SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
This is from Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Tara wrote, “This lighter, brighter version of the classic Italian pasta dish is adapted from one found in “Almost Meatless: Recipes That Are Better for Your Health and the Planet” by Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond. It is incredibly simple – if you can chop vegetables, boil water and whisk eggs, you can make this dish – but it's also indubitably luxurious. Everyone will think you slaved for hours when, really, you slaved for about 20 minutes. Timing is everything in this recipe, so be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature before you start, and have all of the ingredients ready before you toss the pasta in the water.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in “An Almost-Meatless Diet” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 pound English peas, shelled (about 1 cup), or 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 pound spaghetti
4 ounces asparagus, sliced diagonally 1/8-inch thick (1 cup)
10 fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
5 eggs, whisked, at room temperature
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish (2 ounces)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add the bacon, cooking for about 5 minutes, until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel and set aside. Return the pan with the rendered fat to the stove top for future use.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the peas into the water and cook them for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a strainer with a slotted spoon or a spider basket. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the bacon fat in the sauté pan over medium heat. Add the peas and asparagus, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the basil, and set aside.
Whisk together the eggs and milk. Have the egg mixture, vegetables and bacon ready to toss with very hot pasta.
Quickly drain the pasta and transfer immediately to a large serving bowl. Pour the eggs and cheese on top of the pasta, and toss vigorously to coat the strands and gently cook the eggs, forming a creamy sauce. Add the vegetables and bacon, and continue tossing to incorporate them. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Portion the spaghetti on plates and ladle any sauce left in the bowl over each serving. Grate additional cheese on top if you like.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Cool Desserts - Double-Post Thursday
Besides beging Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Here are six Cool Desserts to help you through the day. Enjoy!
CRANBERRY ICE
Here’s a recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. This one begins, “Lovely citrus lends flavor to tart cranberries in this refreshing sorbet that can be served up for dessert, as a palate cleanser between meals or to liven up turkey in place of cranberry sauce.”
Ingredients
2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries
2 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
InstructioinsIn a large pot, add cranberries and enough water to cover. Boil until cranberries begin to pop. Drain and put through a food mill placed over a large bowl.
While still warm add sugar to dissolve in the warm berries. The amount of sugar may vary depending on the tartness of the berries, so if you decide to add more sugar remember that the mixture will be tarter when it has been frozen.
After dissolving the sugar in the berries, stir in fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Pour in 8 or 9 inch square pan and freeze overnight. Take out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before cutting.
KIWI MELON POPSICLES
This is from Frances Bargeman-Roth, RD, on the Today website. Frances wrote, “I often return home from a sweaty run wanting nothing more than a cold glass of water and a REALLY cold snack, but ice cream probably isn't the right thing to grab post workout. These pretty pops hit the mark with their blend of hydrating honeydew and potassium from the coconut water to help prevent muscle cramps. The kiwi kicks in plenty of vitamin C to help bust up those free radicals that form during intense exercise. There's even a little salt to help replace the electrolytes you lose during those sweat sessions.”
Prep Time: 7 minutes; Yield: 6
Note: You will need six (3-ounce) ice pop molds with sticks.
To view this online, click here.
Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, is a nutrition expert, writer and best-selling author. Her books include Feed the Belly, The CarbLovers Diet and Eating in Color. Follow her @FrancesLRothRD.
Ingredients
2 kiwis, peeled
8 ounces coconut water
1 cup cubed honeydew melon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Preparation
Add one of the kiwis to the blender; slice the other into 6 thin wheels and set aside.
Add all remaining ingredients to the blender and combine until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large measuring cup with a spout or other spouted container.
Place 1 kiwi slice into each pop mold so that you can see the kiwi on the side of the mold.
Pour the melon mixture evenly into six pop molds and transfer to the freezer. Freeze for 5-6 hours, or overnight.To unmold, run the pop briefly under warm water, remove and enjoy.
COFFEE POPSICLES WITH CHOCOLATE, PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA
This also comes from Frances Bargeman-Roth, RD, on the Today website. Frances wrote, “Turn to these ice pops when you need to feel more energized. I love warm weather, but sometimes a day out in the burning sun can leave me feeling less than peppy. That's when I want a cool treat that also gives me a kick of caffeine. These provide just the right amount for an early afternoon boost.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Yield: 6
To view this online, click here.
Note: You will need six (3-ounce) ice pop molds with sticks.
Ingredients
6 ounces unsweetened cold brew coffee concentrate (such as Chameleon)
1 banana
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
8 ounces coconut milk
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon cacao nibs, optional
1 teaspoon honey, optional
Preparation
Place all ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth.
Pour the coffee mixture evenly into 6 pop molds and transfer to the freezer. Freeze for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
To unmold, run the pop briefly under warm water, remove and enjoy.
LEMON BLUEBERRY SORBET
This is from a long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “Lemon verbena enhances the lemon flavor of this blueberry sorbet. The rum is optional. The recipe calls for frozen blueberries, so you can make it year-round.”
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup whole lemon verbena leaves
1 bag frozen blueberries (14 to 16 ounces)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons lemon-flavored rum (optional)
Preparation
Put sugar and lemon verbena in a food processor and process 30 seconds. Add frozen blueberries and process 1 minute.
With the processor on, pour lemon juice and rum, if using, through the feed tube; process until smooth.
Serve sorbet immediately, or transfer to a covered bowl and keep in freezer (soften slightly before serving, if necessary).
LEMON SORBET
Here’s another recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 8 servings.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Preparation
In a small saucepan, bring the water and the sugar to a boil, stirring the mixture to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon juice and zest to the sugar syrup and freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarts; Time: 10 minutes.
This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
CRANBERRY ICE
Here’s a recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. This one begins, “Lovely citrus lends flavor to tart cranberries in this refreshing sorbet that can be served up for dessert, as a palate cleanser between meals or to liven up turkey in place of cranberry sauce.”
Ingredients
2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries
2 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
InstructioinsIn a large pot, add cranberries and enough water to cover. Boil until cranberries begin to pop. Drain and put through a food mill placed over a large bowl.
While still warm add sugar to dissolve in the warm berries. The amount of sugar may vary depending on the tartness of the berries, so if you decide to add more sugar remember that the mixture will be tarter when it has been frozen.
After dissolving the sugar in the berries, stir in fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Pour in 8 or 9 inch square pan and freeze overnight. Take out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before cutting.
KIWI MELON POPSICLES
This is from Frances Bargeman-Roth, RD, on the Today website. Frances wrote, “I often return home from a sweaty run wanting nothing more than a cold glass of water and a REALLY cold snack, but ice cream probably isn't the right thing to grab post workout. These pretty pops hit the mark with their blend of hydrating honeydew and potassium from the coconut water to help prevent muscle cramps. The kiwi kicks in plenty of vitamin C to help bust up those free radicals that form during intense exercise. There's even a little salt to help replace the electrolytes you lose during those sweat sessions.”
Prep Time: 7 minutes; Yield: 6
Note: You will need six (3-ounce) ice pop molds with sticks.
To view this online, click here.
Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, is a nutrition expert, writer and best-selling author. Her books include Feed the Belly, The CarbLovers Diet and Eating in Color. Follow her @FrancesLRothRD.
Ingredients
2 kiwis, peeled
8 ounces coconut water
1 cup cubed honeydew melon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Preparation
Add one of the kiwis to the blender; slice the other into 6 thin wheels and set aside.
Add all remaining ingredients to the blender and combine until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large measuring cup with a spout or other spouted container.
Place 1 kiwi slice into each pop mold so that you can see the kiwi on the side of the mold.
Pour the melon mixture evenly into six pop molds and transfer to the freezer. Freeze for 5-6 hours, or overnight.To unmold, run the pop briefly under warm water, remove and enjoy.
COFFEE POPSICLES WITH CHOCOLATE, PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA
This also comes from Frances Bargeman-Roth, RD, on the Today website. Frances wrote, “Turn to these ice pops when you need to feel more energized. I love warm weather, but sometimes a day out in the burning sun can leave me feeling less than peppy. That's when I want a cool treat that also gives me a kick of caffeine. These provide just the right amount for an early afternoon boost.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Yield: 6
To view this online, click here.
Note: You will need six (3-ounce) ice pop molds with sticks.
Ingredients
6 ounces unsweetened cold brew coffee concentrate (such as Chameleon)
1 banana
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
8 ounces coconut milk
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon cacao nibs, optional
1 teaspoon honey, optional
Preparation
Place all ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth.
Pour the coffee mixture evenly into 6 pop molds and transfer to the freezer. Freeze for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
To unmold, run the pop briefly under warm water, remove and enjoy.
LEMON BLUEBERRY SORBET
This is from a long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “Lemon verbena enhances the lemon flavor of this blueberry sorbet. The rum is optional. The recipe calls for frozen blueberries, so you can make it year-round.”
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup whole lemon verbena leaves
1 bag frozen blueberries (14 to 16 ounces)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons lemon-flavored rum (optional)
Preparation
Put sugar and lemon verbena in a food processor and process 30 seconds. Add frozen blueberries and process 1 minute.
With the processor on, pour lemon juice and rum, if using, through the feed tube; process until smooth.
Serve sorbet immediately, or transfer to a covered bowl and keep in freezer (soften slightly before serving, if necessary).
LEMON SORBET
Here’s another recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 8 servings.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Preparation
In a small saucepan, bring the water and the sugar to a boil, stirring the mixture to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon juice and zest to the sugar syrup and freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarts; Time: 10 minutes.
This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
Diabetic Thursday
It's Diabetic Thursday. Who says diabetic food needs to be boring? You won't hear that here. Here are six yummy diabetic recipes to help you through the day, including Chocolate Filled Cake Roll and Italian Beef Stuffed Shells Marinara. Enjoy!
ITALIAN BEEF STUFFED SHELLS MARINARA
Makes 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1304
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1304.shtml
Ingredients
12 ounces cooked beef pot roast or brisket
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 8 ounces)
Filling:
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
Salt and pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F. Prepare pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set aside. Shred beef pot roast with two forks.
Meanwhile, combine pot roast, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and garlic in large bowl.
Fill shells evenly with beef mixture. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce on bottom of 11 X 7-inch glass baking dish. Arrange shells in dish; top with remaining sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in 375F oven 20 minutes or until heated through.
Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake, uncovered, 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned and sauce is bubbly.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 364; Protein: 40 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 238 mg; Cholesterol: 119 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
VEGETABLE-CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Servings: 6 (Serving = 1-1/2 cup)
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/253.shtml
Ingredients
6 cups 1/3-less-salt chicken broth, divided
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup thinly sliced leek (white part only)
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup peeled and chopped turnip
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoons fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 ounces uncooked "no-yolk" broad noodles
1 cup diced cooked chicken
Directions
Place 1/3 cup chicken broth, celery, leek, carrot and turnip in large saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in remaining 5 -2/3 cups chicken broth, parsley, thyme, rosemary, vinegar and black pepper. Bring to a boil; add noodles. Cook until noodles are tender; stir in chicken. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until heated through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 73 mg; Cholesterol: 18 mg; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Starch/Bread, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable
VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH BROWN RICE
Yield: 6 servings. Serving size: 1 1/4 cups.
View this online at https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/recipes/soups-stews/vegetarian-chili-with-brown-rice/
Ingredients
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 jalapeño pepper,* minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth
1 can (about 14 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup no-salt-added canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
6 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Directions
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell peppers, celery, jalapeño, and garlic; cook and stir 7 minutes.
Add broth, tomatoes, rice, beans, oregano, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Uncover; cook 10 minutes or until thickened.
Ladle chili into bowls; top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese.
*Jalapeño peppers can sting and irritate the skin, so wear rubber gloves when handling peppers and do not touch your eyes.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 137, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 3 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 378 mg, Fiber: 5 g' Exchanges per serving: 1 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat.
BAKED CAJUN CHICKEN
Servings: 4
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/33.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 to 2 pounds split chicken breasts
1/2 dried thyme, crushed
Nonstick spray coating
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons nonfat milk
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut off skin and discard.
Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the chicken in the dish; meat side up.
Brush lightly with milk.
In small bowl mix onion powder, thyme, garlic salt, white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper.
Sprinkle over chicken.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 166; Protein: 25 g; Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 0 g; Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat
MASHED TURNIPS WITH ROASTED GARLIC
Servings: 8
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/34.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 pound small turnips, peeled and quartered
1 ripe bartlett pear, about 6 ounces, peeled, cored and chopped
4 cloves garlic, roasted and peeled
1 tablespoon margarine
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Steam turnips over boiling water until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain turnips and place in a food processor or blender along with pear, garlic, and margarine.
Process until smooth, adding skim milk as needed.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 41; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
CHOCOLATE FILLED CAKE ROLL
Servings: 12 one-inch slices
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/23.shtml
Ingredients
Cake:
5 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 packets of Sweet'n Low
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling:
2 cups skim milk
1 package sugar-free chocolate instant pudding mix
Topping:
2 teaspoons sugar-free cocoa mix
Directions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Grease and line the bottom of a 10x15" jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
Beat eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer until fluffy.
Sprinkle sugar, Sweet'n Low and vanilla over eggs; continue beating for 2 minutes.
Sift flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together.
Sprinkle half the mixture over batter; fold in with spatula.
Repeat with remaining flour mixture.
Spread batter evenly in pan.
Bake on center rack in oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Arrange a towel on work surface and cover with wax or parchment paper.
Loosen edges of cake; unmold on paper.
Roll cake jelly roll style, using towel as a guide.
Leave cake rolled until it cools into jelly roll shape.
To make filling, blend milk with pudding mix according to package directions. Refrigerate pudding until it thickens.
Unroll cake, spread evenly with pudding, and reroll.
Lightly sprinkle sugar-free cocoa over the top to decorate.
Cut into 1" slices and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 122; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 197 mg; Cholesterol: 92 mg; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1/2 Skim Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1 Starch
ITALIAN BEEF STUFFED SHELLS MARINARA
Makes 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1304
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1304.shtml
Ingredients
12 ounces cooked beef pot roast or brisket
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 8 ounces)
Filling:
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
Salt and pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F. Prepare pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set aside. Shred beef pot roast with two forks.
Meanwhile, combine pot roast, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and garlic in large bowl.
Fill shells evenly with beef mixture. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce on bottom of 11 X 7-inch glass baking dish. Arrange shells in dish; top with remaining sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in 375F oven 20 minutes or until heated through.
Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake, uncovered, 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned and sauce is bubbly.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 364; Protein: 40 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 238 mg; Cholesterol: 119 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
VEGETABLE-CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Servings: 6 (Serving = 1-1/2 cup)
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/253.shtml
Ingredients
6 cups 1/3-less-salt chicken broth, divided
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup thinly sliced leek (white part only)
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup peeled and chopped turnip
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoons fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 ounces uncooked "no-yolk" broad noodles
1 cup diced cooked chicken
Directions
Place 1/3 cup chicken broth, celery, leek, carrot and turnip in large saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in remaining 5 -2/3 cups chicken broth, parsley, thyme, rosemary, vinegar and black pepper. Bring to a boil; add noodles. Cook until noodles are tender; stir in chicken. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until heated through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 73 mg; Cholesterol: 18 mg; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Starch/Bread, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable
VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH BROWN RICE
Yield: 6 servings. Serving size: 1 1/4 cups.
View this online at https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/recipes/soups-stews/vegetarian-chili-with-brown-rice/
Ingredients
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 jalapeño pepper,* minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth
1 can (about 14 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup no-salt-added canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
6 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Directions
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell peppers, celery, jalapeño, and garlic; cook and stir 7 minutes.
Add broth, tomatoes, rice, beans, oregano, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Uncover; cook 10 minutes or until thickened.
Ladle chili into bowls; top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese.
*Jalapeño peppers can sting and irritate the skin, so wear rubber gloves when handling peppers and do not touch your eyes.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 137, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 3 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 378 mg, Fiber: 5 g' Exchanges per serving: 1 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat.
BAKED CAJUN CHICKEN
Servings: 4
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/33.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 to 2 pounds split chicken breasts
1/2 dried thyme, crushed
Nonstick spray coating
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons nonfat milk
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut off skin and discard.
Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the chicken in the dish; meat side up.
Brush lightly with milk.
In small bowl mix onion powder, thyme, garlic salt, white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper.
Sprinkle over chicken.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 166; Protein: 25 g; Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 0 g; Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat
MASHED TURNIPS WITH ROASTED GARLIC
Servings: 8
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/34.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 pound small turnips, peeled and quartered
1 ripe bartlett pear, about 6 ounces, peeled, cored and chopped
4 cloves garlic, roasted and peeled
1 tablespoon margarine
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Steam turnips over boiling water until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain turnips and place in a food processor or blender along with pear, garlic, and margarine.
Process until smooth, adding skim milk as needed.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 41; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
CHOCOLATE FILLED CAKE ROLL
Servings: 12 one-inch slices
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/23.shtml
Ingredients
Cake:
5 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 packets of Sweet'n Low
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling:
2 cups skim milk
1 package sugar-free chocolate instant pudding mix
Topping:
2 teaspoons sugar-free cocoa mix
Directions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Grease and line the bottom of a 10x15" jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
Beat eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer until fluffy.
Sprinkle sugar, Sweet'n Low and vanilla over eggs; continue beating for 2 minutes.
Sift flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together.
Sprinkle half the mixture over batter; fold in with spatula.
Repeat with remaining flour mixture.
Spread batter evenly in pan.
Bake on center rack in oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Arrange a towel on work surface and cover with wax or parchment paper.
Loosen edges of cake; unmold on paper.
Roll cake jelly roll style, using towel as a guide.
Leave cake rolled until it cools into jelly roll shape.
To make filling, blend milk with pudding mix according to package directions. Refrigerate pudding until it thickens.
Unroll cake, spread evenly with pudding, and reroll.
Lightly sprinkle sugar-free cocoa over the top to decorate.
Cut into 1" slices and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 122; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 197 mg; Cholesterol: 92 mg; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1/2 Skim Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1 Starch
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Wednesday Recipes
It's half-way through the work work, and almost the end of June. Where has the first half of the year gone?
Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Unemployed Shepherd's Pie and Monterey Chicken Fajitas. Enjoy!
BLT SKILLET PASTA
This also comes from Tablespoon.com. This one begins, “Bacon, arugula, and tomatoes in a creamy sauce.” Prep Time: 20 min; Total Time: 20; Servings: 3
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups packed baby arugula
6-8 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons heavy cream
7 ounces refrigerated fettuccine
Directions
Put a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, slice your bacon into 1/2-inch slices and put it into a hot skillet. Stir and cook on medium until cooked and starting to crisp, about 7 minutes. Strain out some of the fat but leave a good few tablespoons in the pan.
Add the can of tomatoes with the juices and the arugula and cook until the arugula is wilted, about 5 minutes. Whisk the mayo and cream together and pour it into the skillet. Stir well and turn heat to low.
The water should be boiling at this point, so make sure it is salted well and drop your pasta in. Cook the pasta for only about 3 minutes. Strain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes before serving.
HEALTHIER CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from Casey Barber on The Today Show website. The recipe begins, “It's easy to see why Cajun chicken pasta keeps popping up on fast-casual restaurant menus nationwide. Even picky eaters agree that the combination of spicy chicken and creamy sauce (not to mention mountains of irresistible noodles!) is across-the-board appealing. What's not to love? Well, the whopping waistline implications of indulging in all that Alfredo sauce and pasta can certainly add up.
“When you want the satisfaction of your favorite restaurant standby without the heavy-sauced hangover, give this at-home version a try. Clocking in at about 450 calories per serving, it's a healthy excuse to have what you're craving. Boost the health benefits even more by adding a handful of fresh or frozen spinach or broccoli to the pan with the red bell pepper.”
Cook Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4.
To view this online, go to http://www.today.com/recipes/healthier-cajun-chicken-pasta-t66376.
Ingredients
1/2 pound (8 ounces) linguini or penne
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
1 large scallion, thinly sliced into rounds
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Bring a large (4-quart) pot of water to a boil and add the salt, stirring to dissolve. Add the pasta and cook for about 10 minutes or al dente. Drain and reserve.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Carefully place the breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is deeply browned and crisp.
Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and into the oven to finish cooking through. Remove the chicken when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees F.
Add the remaining teaspoon oil to the skillet and stir in the bell peppers. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften, then stir in the garlic and cook for a minute more.
Pour the milk into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Whisk the water and cornstarch together in a measuring cup, then pour into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Turn the burner off and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in the cooked pasta.
To serve, divide the pasta between 4 bowls. Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces and divide evenly between the pasta dishes, then top each with handfuls of tomato and scallion. Serve immediately.
Note: The pasta sauce will thicken as it cools. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in 1-2 tablespoons water as needed to help the sauce retain its consistency.
UNEMPLOYED SHEPHERD’S PIE
This is from Vegetarian Times. The recipe begins, “Straying from meat replacements, Janet DeGras, second-place winner in VT's 2008 Reader Recipe Contest, re-created this typically lamb-filled classic with eggplant as the featured ingredient. ‘The density of eggplant makes it a good substitute for meat, and its creaminess goes really well with mashed potatoes,’ DeGras notes. The inside-out technique of putting the green vegetables on top of the casserole instead of inside adds color to the dish and pick up crunchiness as they bake.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 cups peeled, cubed potatoes
1/4 cup low-fat milk
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 15-oz. cans diced organic tomatoes with liquid
2 large eggplants, peeled and chopped (1 & 1/2 lb.)
1 Tbs. Simply Organic Parsley
1 tsp. Simply Organic Basil
1 tsp. Simply Organic Garlic Flakes
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1 green bell pepper, sliced very thin
1 small zucchini, sliced very thin
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper, optional
Preparation
Place potatoes in large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until soft. Drain, and mash with milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Stir in tomatoes, eggplants, parsley, basil, garlic flakes, and sea salt; season with pepper. Simmer 20 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Spread potato mixture over top, banking up sides a bit.
Heat remaining 2 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add green bell pepper and zucchini, and sauté 7 to 10 minutes, or until just tender.
Fill center of mashed potatoes with sautéed bell pepper and zucchini, and sprinkle with black pepper, if desired. Bake 20 minutes, or until heated through. (Baking will take less time if mashed potatoes are hot at time of assembly.)
Nutrition Information: Calories: 342; Carbohydrate Content: 41 g; Cholesterol Content: 65 mg; Fat Content: 16.5 g; Fiber Content: 6 g; Protein Content: 9 g; Saturated Fat Content: 4.5 g; Sodium Content: 409 mg; Sugar Content: 9 g
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This is from Vegetarian Times and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Carbohydrate Content: 33 g; Fat Content: 5.5 g; Fiber Content: 10 g; Protein Content: 6 g; Saturated Fat Content: 1 g; Sodium Content: 681 mg; Sugar Content: 8 g
MONTEREY CHICKEN FAJITAS
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Stir-fried chicken strips, peppers and onions are simmered in a zesty sauce and wrapped in warm tortillas.”
Serves: 8 servings; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast half (about 1 pound), cut into strips
1 medium green pepper, cut into 2-inch strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 can (10 3/4 ounce) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa
8 flour tortillas (8-inch), warmed
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
Directions
Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well browned, stirring often.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in the soup and salsa and cook until the chicken is cooked through.
Spoon about 1/2 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with the cheese and additional salsa. Fold the tortillas around the filling.
FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
This is from Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, a registered dietician and certified athletic trainer who writes for Very Well. Dana wrote, “Gluten-free baked goods can be dull and dry, but that’s certainly not the case for this tasty yet effortless gluten-free cookies. They feature nothing but simple ingredients and are high in hearty-healthy fats, plus they will satisfy cravings for both sweet and salty.
“Generally, peanut butter doesn't contain gluten, but not all manufacturers keep gluten out of their production plants. Make sure to choose a gluten-free peanut butter and since peanut butter is the star ingredient, be sure to use a good quality brand with a simple ingredient list.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 24 cookies (111 calories each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
pinch of coarse sea salt
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter and sugar until well combined.
Add egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract; continue to stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, measure 8 cookies onto the prepared sheet pan, leaving about two inches between each cookie.
Gently press to flatten each cookie slightly.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until puffed and spread out.
Remove from oven, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
Using a spatula, transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You can inject different flavors into these cookies by replacing the vanilla extract with 1/4 teaspoon of almond extra or by swapping out the chocolate chips for finely chopped peanuts.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Mix the dough by hand using a sturdy spatula or use an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. The cookies spread out quite a bit so its best to make 3 batches of 8 if using a standard half sheet pan. Using a small ice cream scoop is very helpful to make the cookies evenly sized so they will cook evenly.
Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Unemployed Shepherd's Pie and Monterey Chicken Fajitas. Enjoy!
BLT SKILLET PASTA
This also comes from Tablespoon.com. This one begins, “Bacon, arugula, and tomatoes in a creamy sauce.” Prep Time: 20 min; Total Time: 20; Servings: 3
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups packed baby arugula
6-8 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons heavy cream
7 ounces refrigerated fettuccine
Directions
Put a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, slice your bacon into 1/2-inch slices and put it into a hot skillet. Stir and cook on medium until cooked and starting to crisp, about 7 minutes. Strain out some of the fat but leave a good few tablespoons in the pan.
Add the can of tomatoes with the juices and the arugula and cook until the arugula is wilted, about 5 minutes. Whisk the mayo and cream together and pour it into the skillet. Stir well and turn heat to low.
The water should be boiling at this point, so make sure it is salted well and drop your pasta in. Cook the pasta for only about 3 minutes. Strain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes before serving.
HEALTHIER CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from Casey Barber on The Today Show website. The recipe begins, “It's easy to see why Cajun chicken pasta keeps popping up on fast-casual restaurant menus nationwide. Even picky eaters agree that the combination of spicy chicken and creamy sauce (not to mention mountains of irresistible noodles!) is across-the-board appealing. What's not to love? Well, the whopping waistline implications of indulging in all that Alfredo sauce and pasta can certainly add up.
“When you want the satisfaction of your favorite restaurant standby without the heavy-sauced hangover, give this at-home version a try. Clocking in at about 450 calories per serving, it's a healthy excuse to have what you're craving. Boost the health benefits even more by adding a handful of fresh or frozen spinach or broccoli to the pan with the red bell pepper.”
Cook Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4.
To view this online, go to http://www.today.com/recipes/healthier-cajun-chicken-pasta-t66376.
Ingredients
1/2 pound (8 ounces) linguini or penne
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
1 large scallion, thinly sliced into rounds
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Bring a large (4-quart) pot of water to a boil and add the salt, stirring to dissolve. Add the pasta and cook for about 10 minutes or al dente. Drain and reserve.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Carefully place the breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is deeply browned and crisp.
Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and into the oven to finish cooking through. Remove the chicken when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees F.
Add the remaining teaspoon oil to the skillet and stir in the bell peppers. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften, then stir in the garlic and cook for a minute more.
Pour the milk into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Whisk the water and cornstarch together in a measuring cup, then pour into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Turn the burner off and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in the cooked pasta.
To serve, divide the pasta between 4 bowls. Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces and divide evenly between the pasta dishes, then top each with handfuls of tomato and scallion. Serve immediately.
Note: The pasta sauce will thicken as it cools. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in 1-2 tablespoons water as needed to help the sauce retain its consistency.
UNEMPLOYED SHEPHERD’S PIE
This is from Vegetarian Times. The recipe begins, “Straying from meat replacements, Janet DeGras, second-place winner in VT's 2008 Reader Recipe Contest, re-created this typically lamb-filled classic with eggplant as the featured ingredient. ‘The density of eggplant makes it a good substitute for meat, and its creaminess goes really well with mashed potatoes,’ DeGras notes. The inside-out technique of putting the green vegetables on top of the casserole instead of inside adds color to the dish and pick up crunchiness as they bake.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 cups peeled, cubed potatoes
1/4 cup low-fat milk
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 15-oz. cans diced organic tomatoes with liquid
2 large eggplants, peeled and chopped (1 & 1/2 lb.)
1 Tbs. Simply Organic Parsley
1 tsp. Simply Organic Basil
1 tsp. Simply Organic Garlic Flakes
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1 green bell pepper, sliced very thin
1 small zucchini, sliced very thin
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper, optional
Preparation
Place potatoes in large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until soft. Drain, and mash with milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Stir in tomatoes, eggplants, parsley, basil, garlic flakes, and sea salt; season with pepper. Simmer 20 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Spread potato mixture over top, banking up sides a bit.
Heat remaining 2 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add green bell pepper and zucchini, and sauté 7 to 10 minutes, or until just tender.
Fill center of mashed potatoes with sautéed bell pepper and zucchini, and sprinkle with black pepper, if desired. Bake 20 minutes, or until heated through. (Baking will take less time if mashed potatoes are hot at time of assembly.)
Nutrition Information: Calories: 342; Carbohydrate Content: 41 g; Cholesterol Content: 65 mg; Fat Content: 16.5 g; Fiber Content: 6 g; Protein Content: 9 g; Saturated Fat Content: 4.5 g; Sodium Content: 409 mg; Sugar Content: 9 g
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This is from Vegetarian Times and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Carbohydrate Content: 33 g; Fat Content: 5.5 g; Fiber Content: 10 g; Protein Content: 6 g; Saturated Fat Content: 1 g; Sodium Content: 681 mg; Sugar Content: 8 g
MONTEREY CHICKEN FAJITAS
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Stir-fried chicken strips, peppers and onions are simmered in a zesty sauce and wrapped in warm tortillas.”
Serves: 8 servings; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast half (about 1 pound), cut into strips
1 medium green pepper, cut into 2-inch strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 can (10 3/4 ounce) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa
8 flour tortillas (8-inch), warmed
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
Directions
Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well browned, stirring often.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in the soup and salsa and cook until the chicken is cooked through.
Spoon about 1/2 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with the cheese and additional salsa. Fold the tortillas around the filling.
FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
This is from Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, a registered dietician and certified athletic trainer who writes for Very Well. Dana wrote, “Gluten-free baked goods can be dull and dry, but that’s certainly not the case for this tasty yet effortless gluten-free cookies. They feature nothing but simple ingredients and are high in hearty-healthy fats, plus they will satisfy cravings for both sweet and salty.
“Generally, peanut butter doesn't contain gluten, but not all manufacturers keep gluten out of their production plants. Make sure to choose a gluten-free peanut butter and since peanut butter is the star ingredient, be sure to use a good quality brand with a simple ingredient list.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 24 cookies (111 calories each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
pinch of coarse sea salt
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter and sugar until well combined.
Add egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract; continue to stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, measure 8 cookies onto the prepared sheet pan, leaving about two inches between each cookie.
Gently press to flatten each cookie slightly.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until puffed and spread out.
Remove from oven, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
Using a spatula, transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You can inject different flavors into these cookies by replacing the vanilla extract with 1/4 teaspoon of almond extra or by swapping out the chocolate chips for finely chopped peanuts.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Mix the dough by hand using a sturdy spatula or use an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. The cookies spread out quite a bit so its best to make 3 batches of 8 if using a standard half sheet pan. Using a small ice cream scoop is very helpful to make the cookies evenly sized so they will cook evenly.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's post has six lasagna recipes, from A to Z including Al Roker's Vegetable Lasagna and Zucchini Lasagna. Enjoy!
HEARTY LASAGNA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 46. Makes 6 to 8 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 12-oz. box dried lasagna sheets
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground beef (or sausage or both)
6 cups tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, shredded
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a single layer on parchment paper. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until golden. Add meat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and herbs, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce for 15 minutes to thicken. Spoon 1/4 of sauce onto the bottom of a 13" x 3" x 9" pan. Top with single layer of pasta sheets, followed by 1/3 of remaining sauce, making sure sheets are well covered. Layer with 1/3 each of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. Repeat twice, for 3 layers total. Top with fresh mozzarella and Romano. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 6): 809;Protein: 56 g; Carbs: 71 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 17 g; Sodium: 825 mg
QUICK AND EASY LASAGNA
Okay, you've just gotten home from work or a day of running errands. You're hungry and want dinner as quick and easy as possible, but at the same time, something a little more filling than sandwiches. This lasagna fills the bill, as well as your family.
My youngest son came up with this a while back. He wanted lasagna, but without the long wait time that my full-fledged Vegetarian Lasagna takes, as well as without the onions. (He's not big into onions. But we all have our food preferences!) His version of lasagna if quick, fast, and very satisfying.
16 ounce box of lasagna noodles
Jarred Spaghetti Sauce (1 45-ounce jar or 2 23.5 ounce jars; see note)
12-ounce package of Veggie Ground Crumbles (see note)
8-ounce package of Shredded Cheese (see note)
Taco seasoning pack (optional)
15-ounce can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (optional)
Start a pot of water for the lasagna noodles. Once the water starts to boil, add the lasagna noodles and back the heat down just a little so that the water doesn't boil over. (If you drop it to medium heat, you've gone too far.) Cook according to the package instructions.
While the water starts to heat, take another large pot and add the jarred spaghetti sauce, veggie ground crumbles, and the taco seasonings (if adding) and sloppy joe sauce (if adding). Stir together, then start heating on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If this starts bubbling, stir and back the heat down a little.
As soon as the noodles are done cooking, carefully drain through a colander and rinse the noodles in cool water.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked noodles length-wise. You should have three layers across, and use 9 noodles (3 noodles high). Add half of the spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles, spreading this fairly evenly. Top with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, remove from oven, and let rest for a minute or two.
Dig in!
Note: With the spaghetti sauce, we tend to use either Prego Heart Smart Traditional or Ragu Traditional, whichever is on sale, but you can use whatever brand you like. Also, we usually put in the larger 45-ounce size sauce, but if you have two of the 23 – 24-ounce size jars (or they're on sale), use them.
With the veggie crumbles, we lean towards Boca's Veggie Ground Crumbles, but you can go with your favorite 12-ounce bag of frozen veggie ground crumbles.
With the shredded cheese, we tend to use shredded cheddar, but have used several other blends of shredded cheese. You can also shred a block of cheddar cheese, if that's your preference, but the bagged shredded cheese saves a little time.
ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This recipe begins, “Substituting vegetables for white carbs not only adds nutrition, but flavor.”
This is from Diabetic Connect
To view this online, go to http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/7300-zucchini-lasagna
Ingredients
3 zucchinis
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 tsp fresh oregano leaves (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
1 whole eggs
1 jar marinara sauce (sugar-free)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Using a mandolin or a knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks. Place zucchini on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil on front and back, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
Combine in a mixing bowl the cottage cheese, parmesan, egg, and mozzarella.
Layer in a casserole pan, 1-inch marinara, 1/2 of zucchini slices, 1/2 of cheese mixture, then repeat layering being sure to end with cheese on top. NOTE: There may be marinara left over. If so, refrigerate for later use.
Cover the pan with foil, and bake for 3o minutes, or until cheese is melted and lasagna is heated through.
Remove the foil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and basil if desired. Allow lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 6; Calories: 300; Total Fat: 15 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Potassium: 750 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 24 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Protein: 18 g
ROASTED-VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This recipe begins, “Who needs meat? This gourmet veggie lasagna from one of our favorite chefs will be the centerpiece of your dinner table.”
This is from Diabetic Connect.
To view this online, go to http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/4198-roasted-vegetable-lasagna.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
4 red bell peppers
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 yellow squash, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 large onion, cut into 16 wedges
4 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese mixture:
2 cups 2% low-fat cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated sharp provolone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
White sauce:
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
9 cooked lasagna noodles
2 cups spinach leaves, divided
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil sprigs (optional)
Directions
Preheat broiler.
To prepare vegetables, cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel; set aside.
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine oil, salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, squash, and onion on a baking sheet; toss well. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes. Remove from oven; combine squash mixture and garlic in a bowl.
Decrease oven temperature to 375°.
To prepare cheese mixture, combine cottage cheese and next 3 ingredients (cottage cheese through oregano) in a bowl.
To prepare white sauce, place flour in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milk; stir with a whisk. Place over medium heat. Cook until thick; stir constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons chopped basil and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Spread 1/4 cup white sauce in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over sauce; top with 1 1/4 cups cheese mixture, 1 cup spinach, 4 bell pepper halves, 2 cups vegetable mixture, and 1/4 cup white sauce. Repeat layers, ending with noodles. Spread remaining white sauce over noodles. Cover and bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 20 minutes. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.
Note: Use a sharp, potent cheese in this dish for the most flavor. Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, or sharp cheddar will all work as well in the filling. Stick to mozzarella for the top, however, as it melts and browns the best. For extra browning, place the lasagna under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of cooking.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 9; Amount per serving Calories: 275; Calories from fat 30%; Fat 9.1 g; Saturated fat: 5.2 g; Monounsaturated fat: 2.6 g; Polyunsaturated fat 0.6 g; Protein: 19.3 g; Carbohydrate: 29.3 g; Fiber: 2.9 g;Cholesterol: 24 mg; Iron: 2.3 mg; Sodium: 564 mg; Calcium: 308 mg
AL ROKER’S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This is from The Today Show’s Al Roker. The recipe begins, “This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner.”
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 1 lasagna
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
LASAGNA VERDE
This yummy recipe is from FamilyTime, and begins, “There is not a more delicious way to get your veggies – and a healthy dose of protein – than with this easy Lasagna Verde recipe.”
Serves: 8; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes. Source: Pasta Fits
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 oz. lasagna noodles (about 8 sheets or enough for 2 layers)
2 tsp. olive oil
2 lbs. spinach, well-washed
32 oz. part-skim ricotta
2 eggs
1 Tbsp./1/2 oz. garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 tsp. lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg
2 cups/10 oz. frozen peas
2 cups/8 oz. asparagus, cut in 1/2” pieces
1/2 cup/2 oz. grated Parmigiano
8 oz. mozzarella, grated, divided
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and reserve.
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place the spinach in a large pan over medium heat. If spinach is still wet, simply cover pan and wilt. If it’s dry, add 1/4 cup water to the pan, cover, and wilt. Drain spinach. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop it and squeeze out excess liquid.
Place spinach in a large bowl with the ricotta, eggs, garlic, zest, nutmeg, peas, asparagus, Parmigiano and half of the mozzarella. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place half the noodles along the bottom of a 9” x 13” pan. Top with half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining noodles and ricotta mixture.
Strew remaining mozzarella over the top. Place in the oven and cook until heated through (about 30 minutes).
HEARTY LASAGNA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 46. Makes 6 to 8 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 12-oz. box dried lasagna sheets
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground beef (or sausage or both)
6 cups tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, shredded
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a single layer on parchment paper. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until golden. Add meat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and herbs, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce for 15 minutes to thicken. Spoon 1/4 of sauce onto the bottom of a 13" x 3" x 9" pan. Top with single layer of pasta sheets, followed by 1/3 of remaining sauce, making sure sheets are well covered. Layer with 1/3 each of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. Repeat twice, for 3 layers total. Top with fresh mozzarella and Romano. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 6): 809;Protein: 56 g; Carbs: 71 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 17 g; Sodium: 825 mg
QUICK AND EASY LASAGNA
Okay, you've just gotten home from work or a day of running errands. You're hungry and want dinner as quick and easy as possible, but at the same time, something a little more filling than sandwiches. This lasagna fills the bill, as well as your family.
My youngest son came up with this a while back. He wanted lasagna, but without the long wait time that my full-fledged Vegetarian Lasagna takes, as well as without the onions. (He's not big into onions. But we all have our food preferences!) His version of lasagna if quick, fast, and very satisfying.
16 ounce box of lasagna noodles
Jarred Spaghetti Sauce (1 45-ounce jar or 2 23.5 ounce jars; see note)
12-ounce package of Veggie Ground Crumbles (see note)
8-ounce package of Shredded Cheese (see note)
Taco seasoning pack (optional)
15-ounce can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (optional)
Start a pot of water for the lasagna noodles. Once the water starts to boil, add the lasagna noodles and back the heat down just a little so that the water doesn't boil over. (If you drop it to medium heat, you've gone too far.) Cook according to the package instructions.
While the water starts to heat, take another large pot and add the jarred spaghetti sauce, veggie ground crumbles, and the taco seasonings (if adding) and sloppy joe sauce (if adding). Stir together, then start heating on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If this starts bubbling, stir and back the heat down a little.
As soon as the noodles are done cooking, carefully drain through a colander and rinse the noodles in cool water.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked noodles length-wise. You should have three layers across, and use 9 noodles (3 noodles high). Add half of the spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles, spreading this fairly evenly. Top with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, remove from oven, and let rest for a minute or two.
Dig in!
Note: With the spaghetti sauce, we tend to use either Prego Heart Smart Traditional or Ragu Traditional, whichever is on sale, but you can use whatever brand you like. Also, we usually put in the larger 45-ounce size sauce, but if you have two of the 23 – 24-ounce size jars (or they're on sale), use them.
With the veggie crumbles, we lean towards Boca's Veggie Ground Crumbles, but you can go with your favorite 12-ounce bag of frozen veggie ground crumbles.
With the shredded cheese, we tend to use shredded cheddar, but have used several other blends of shredded cheese. You can also shred a block of cheddar cheese, if that's your preference, but the bagged shredded cheese saves a little time.
ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This recipe begins, “Substituting vegetables for white carbs not only adds nutrition, but flavor.”
This is from Diabetic Connect
To view this online, go to http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/7300-zucchini-lasagna
Ingredients
3 zucchinis
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 tsp fresh oregano leaves (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
1 whole eggs
1 jar marinara sauce (sugar-free)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Using a mandolin or a knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks. Place zucchini on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil on front and back, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
Combine in a mixing bowl the cottage cheese, parmesan, egg, and mozzarella.
Layer in a casserole pan, 1-inch marinara, 1/2 of zucchini slices, 1/2 of cheese mixture, then repeat layering being sure to end with cheese on top. NOTE: There may be marinara left over. If so, refrigerate for later use.
Cover the pan with foil, and bake for 3o minutes, or until cheese is melted and lasagna is heated through.
Remove the foil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and basil if desired. Allow lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 6; Calories: 300; Total Fat: 15 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Potassium: 750 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 24 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Protein: 18 g
ROASTED-VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This recipe begins, “Who needs meat? This gourmet veggie lasagna from one of our favorite chefs will be the centerpiece of your dinner table.”
This is from Diabetic Connect.
To view this online, go to http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/4198-roasted-vegetable-lasagna.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
4 red bell peppers
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 yellow squash, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 large onion, cut into 16 wedges
4 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese mixture:
2 cups 2% low-fat cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated sharp provolone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
White sauce:
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
9 cooked lasagna noodles
2 cups spinach leaves, divided
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil sprigs (optional)
Directions
Preheat broiler.
To prepare vegetables, cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel; set aside.
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine oil, salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, squash, and onion on a baking sheet; toss well. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes. Remove from oven; combine squash mixture and garlic in a bowl.
Decrease oven temperature to 375°.
To prepare cheese mixture, combine cottage cheese and next 3 ingredients (cottage cheese through oregano) in a bowl.
To prepare white sauce, place flour in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milk; stir with a whisk. Place over medium heat. Cook until thick; stir constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons chopped basil and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Spread 1/4 cup white sauce in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over sauce; top with 1 1/4 cups cheese mixture, 1 cup spinach, 4 bell pepper halves, 2 cups vegetable mixture, and 1/4 cup white sauce. Repeat layers, ending with noodles. Spread remaining white sauce over noodles. Cover and bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 20 minutes. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.
Note: Use a sharp, potent cheese in this dish for the most flavor. Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, or sharp cheddar will all work as well in the filling. Stick to mozzarella for the top, however, as it melts and browns the best. For extra browning, place the lasagna under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of cooking.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 9; Amount per serving Calories: 275; Calories from fat 30%; Fat 9.1 g; Saturated fat: 5.2 g; Monounsaturated fat: 2.6 g; Polyunsaturated fat 0.6 g; Protein: 19.3 g; Carbohydrate: 29.3 g; Fiber: 2.9 g;Cholesterol: 24 mg; Iron: 2.3 mg; Sodium: 564 mg; Calcium: 308 mg
AL ROKER’S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This is from The Today Show’s Al Roker. The recipe begins, “This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner.”
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 1 lasagna
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
LASAGNA VERDE
This yummy recipe is from FamilyTime, and begins, “There is not a more delicious way to get your veggies – and a healthy dose of protein – than with this easy Lasagna Verde recipe.”
Serves: 8; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes. Source: Pasta Fits
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 oz. lasagna noodles (about 8 sheets or enough for 2 layers)
2 tsp. olive oil
2 lbs. spinach, well-washed
32 oz. part-skim ricotta
2 eggs
1 Tbsp./1/2 oz. garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 tsp. lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg
2 cups/10 oz. frozen peas
2 cups/8 oz. asparagus, cut in 1/2” pieces
1/2 cup/2 oz. grated Parmigiano
8 oz. mozzarella, grated, divided
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and reserve.
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place the spinach in a large pan over medium heat. If spinach is still wet, simply cover pan and wilt. If it’s dry, add 1/4 cup water to the pan, cover, and wilt. Drain spinach. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop it and squeeze out excess liquid.
Place spinach in a large bowl with the ricotta, eggs, garlic, zest, nutmeg, peas, asparagus, Parmigiano and half of the mozzarella. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place half the noodles along the bottom of a 9” x 13” pan. Top with half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining noodles and ricotta mixture.
Strew remaining mozzarella over the top. Place in the oven and cook until heated through (about 30 minutes).
Taco Tuesday
It's Taco Tuesday. Here are six taco recipes to help you through the day, including Chicken Chili Tacos and Middle-School Tacos. Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN TACO SOUP IN THE CROCKPOT
This recipe left me in a quandary: do I post it on Taco Tuesday with tacos, or should I post it with soups? I guess this would fit in both places, which is why I'm adding it today.
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food. Jolinda wrote, “I love Mexican food. Or, perhaps it's more accurate to say I love Mexican-American food. Or rather, I love both!
“This vegetarian taco soup recipe with kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans isn't going to win any awards of authenticity, but it's quick to prepare (you really just dump everything in the crockpot), easy, high-protein, nearly fat-free, and deliciously satisfying. Plus, it's a great vegetarian and vegan option for families on a budget. Keep it vegan by omitting the optional cheese and sour cream toppings, or use dairy-free and vegan substitutes.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 480 minutes; Total Time: 485 minutes; Yield: 6 servings as a main dish
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can corn kernels, drained
1 can kidney beans or navy beans, drained
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 7-ounce can green chiles (optional - you may want to omit this if you're cooking for kids)
1 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes (Mexican-style is best, if you can find it) - do not drain
1 package taco seasoning mix
1/4 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional garnishes:
tortilla chips or corn chips
grated cheese
chopped green onions
fresh chopped cilantro
Preparation
Add ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low crockpot setting for 8-10 hours.
If you're in a hurry, you can also set this on high in the crockpot for 3 hours.
Top each bowl of soup with optional garnishes to serve: cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some tortilla chips or corn chips and fresh chopped cilantro or green onions.
This is a thicker soup, similar to a stew. To thin it out, you can add a little vegetable broth or soy milk, if you like.
CRUNCHY BLACK BEAN TACOS
This comes from The Kitchn’s e-newsletter. If you haven’t signed up for The Kitchn’s e-newsletter yet, I highly recommend that, as well as its sibling site, Apartment Therapy.
This recipe serves 3 to 4, or makes 8 tacos; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes and can be found online by clicking here.
2 cups cooked black beans
1/2 cup minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of salt
4 to 6 ounces (1 heaping cup) grated Pepper Jack cheese
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
8 corn tortillas
Toppings
Avocado
Hot sauce
Salsa
Sour cream
In a medium bowl, add beans along with red onion, cilantro, cumin, and paprika. Add a pinch of salt and lightly mash all the ingredients together. Grate the cheese and have it ready as well.
In a large, nonstick or cast-iron skillet, add the 2 tablespoons oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add one corn tortilla at a time and let each get hot in the oil for a few seconds. Then add about 1/4 cup of the bean filling to one half of the tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese. Try not to overfill the tacos, or you might have issues flipping them without losing filling.
Using a spatula, carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over to form a shell. Press down lightly on the tortilla so it holds its shape. If some cheese spills out, don’t worry — it will get crispy and delicious.
As the first taco cooks, move it to the side and begin a second one. Depending on the size of your pan, you can cook two or three tacos at once. A griddle will hold even more.
Cook each taco until they are nicely browned and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. When flipping the taco to cook on the other side, use a spatula and flip the taco toward the fold so the filling doesn’t fall out. If your pan is very dry between batches, add another drizzle of oil.
Place the cooked tacos in a warm oven while you finish the rest. If the tacos are very greasy, blot them with a paper towel before moving them to the oven.
Serve tacos with toppings like hot sauce, salsa, avocados, and sour cream.
Recipe Notes:
Corn tortillas are resilient to heat. Don’t worry about burning them; they are very sturdy. Just be sure to cook tortillas on each side long enough to get them really crispy.
CHICKEN CHILI TACOS
This is from The TODAY Show. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to http://www.today.com/recipes/chicken-chili-tacos-t28111.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic. minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)
Preparation
Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)
Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.
Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.
MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can’t eat just two.”
Serves 6; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Case for Hard-Shell Tacos” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Preparation
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH TACOS WITH CRANBERRY-JALAPENO RELISH
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings; Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
Relish adapted from The New York Times
Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/butternut-squash-tacos-with-cranberry-jalapeno-relish/
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked black beans
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until cranberries start to pop and mixture has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and ginger and remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Serve the tortillas stuffed with the butternut squash and black beans, and topped with the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish.
Notes
Both the butternut squash and relish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat the butternut squash before stuffing it into the tortillas.
GRILLED TOFU TACOS WITH WALLA WALLA SWEET ONION SLAW (AND OPTIONAL CHICKEN)
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.
This recipe begins, “Smoky seasoned tofu (and/or chicken), creamy avocado, and crunchy slaw make these super easy summer tacos shine.”
PREP: 2 HOURS 20 MINUTES COOK: 15 MINUTES TOTAL: 2 HOURS 35 MINUTES; YIELD: 10-12 TACOS.
This is from Kitchen Treaty and can be viewed online at http://www.kitchentreaty.com/grilled-tofu-tacos-with-walla-walla-sweet-onion-slaw-and-optional-chicken/
Ingredients
2 (14-ounce) blocks extra-firm tofu
For the marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the slaw:
1/2 medium cabbage, quartered and thinly sliced
1/2 medium Walla Walla Sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Plus:
1 large avocado, sliced
10-12 tortillas (depending on how full you like to stuff your tacos)*
Directions:
Press tofu to drain. I place each block on a dinner plate on top of a layer of paper towels, then place more paper towels on top. Then I put 3-4 dinner plates on top and let it press down on the tofu for 20-30 minutes. Slice tofu into 6-7 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a zipper bag or container with airtight cover. If using chicken, add chicken to a zipper bag.
Make the marinade. Add all marinade ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Pour marinade over tofu and/or chicken. If using half tofu/half chicken, just evenly divide the marinade between the two. Place in refrigerator and marinate for 2 hours.
Heat grill to medium-high, about 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook tofu and/or chicken until browned and cooked through, 10-14 minutes. We only have one grill, so we always use the left side for my vegetarian stuff, and the right side for the meaty stuff. Remove tofu and/or meat from grill and let cool enough to cut into taco-size pieces (I just cut the tofu pieces in half).
Place the tortillas on the grill and heat until slightly browned and heated through, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Keep on a plate covered by a damp dishtowel until ready to serve.
While the tofu/meat and tortillas are cooking, make the slaw. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients with salad tongs or your clean hands. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
To assemble tacos, grab a tortilla and lay one or two avocado slices on the bottom. Top with a coulple pieces of tofu or chicken, and top with slaw. Serve.
*GLUTEN-FREE OPTION
Use corn tortillas (or other gluten-free tortillas)
VEGETARIAN TACO SOUP IN THE CROCKPOT
This recipe left me in a quandary: do I post it on Taco Tuesday with tacos, or should I post it with soups? I guess this would fit in both places, which is why I'm adding it today.
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food. Jolinda wrote, “I love Mexican food. Or, perhaps it's more accurate to say I love Mexican-American food. Or rather, I love both!
“This vegetarian taco soup recipe with kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans isn't going to win any awards of authenticity, but it's quick to prepare (you really just dump everything in the crockpot), easy, high-protein, nearly fat-free, and deliciously satisfying. Plus, it's a great vegetarian and vegan option for families on a budget. Keep it vegan by omitting the optional cheese and sour cream toppings, or use dairy-free and vegan substitutes.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 480 minutes; Total Time: 485 minutes; Yield: 6 servings as a main dish
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can corn kernels, drained
1 can kidney beans or navy beans, drained
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 7-ounce can green chiles (optional - you may want to omit this if you're cooking for kids)
1 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes (Mexican-style is best, if you can find it) - do not drain
1 package taco seasoning mix
1/4 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional garnishes:
tortilla chips or corn chips
grated cheese
chopped green onions
fresh chopped cilantro
Preparation
Add ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low crockpot setting for 8-10 hours.
If you're in a hurry, you can also set this on high in the crockpot for 3 hours.
Top each bowl of soup with optional garnishes to serve: cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some tortilla chips or corn chips and fresh chopped cilantro or green onions.
This is a thicker soup, similar to a stew. To thin it out, you can add a little vegetable broth or soy milk, if you like.
CRUNCHY BLACK BEAN TACOS
This comes from The Kitchn’s e-newsletter. If you haven’t signed up for The Kitchn’s e-newsletter yet, I highly recommend that, as well as its sibling site, Apartment Therapy.
This recipe serves 3 to 4, or makes 8 tacos; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes and can be found online by clicking here.
2 cups cooked black beans
1/2 cup minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of salt
4 to 6 ounces (1 heaping cup) grated Pepper Jack cheese
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
8 corn tortillas
Toppings
Avocado
Hot sauce
Salsa
Sour cream
In a medium bowl, add beans along with red onion, cilantro, cumin, and paprika. Add a pinch of salt and lightly mash all the ingredients together. Grate the cheese and have it ready as well.
In a large, nonstick or cast-iron skillet, add the 2 tablespoons oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add one corn tortilla at a time and let each get hot in the oil for a few seconds. Then add about 1/4 cup of the bean filling to one half of the tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese. Try not to overfill the tacos, or you might have issues flipping them without losing filling.
Using a spatula, carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over to form a shell. Press down lightly on the tortilla so it holds its shape. If some cheese spills out, don’t worry — it will get crispy and delicious.
As the first taco cooks, move it to the side and begin a second one. Depending on the size of your pan, you can cook two or three tacos at once. A griddle will hold even more.
Cook each taco until they are nicely browned and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. When flipping the taco to cook on the other side, use a spatula and flip the taco toward the fold so the filling doesn’t fall out. If your pan is very dry between batches, add another drizzle of oil.
Place the cooked tacos in a warm oven while you finish the rest. If the tacos are very greasy, blot them with a paper towel before moving them to the oven.
Serve tacos with toppings like hot sauce, salsa, avocados, and sour cream.
Recipe Notes:
Corn tortillas are resilient to heat. Don’t worry about burning them; they are very sturdy. Just be sure to cook tortillas on each side long enough to get them really crispy.
CHICKEN CHILI TACOS
This is from The TODAY Show. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to http://www.today.com/recipes/chicken-chili-tacos-t28111.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic. minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)
Preparation
Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)
Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.
Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.
MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can’t eat just two.”
Serves 6; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Case for Hard-Shell Tacos” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Preparation
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH TACOS WITH CRANBERRY-JALAPENO RELISH
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings; Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
Relish adapted from The New York Times
Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/butternut-squash-tacos-with-cranberry-jalapeno-relish/
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked black beans
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until cranberries start to pop and mixture has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and ginger and remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Serve the tortillas stuffed with the butternut squash and black beans, and topped with the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish.
Notes
Both the butternut squash and relish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat the butternut squash before stuffing it into the tortillas.
GRILLED TOFU TACOS WITH WALLA WALLA SWEET ONION SLAW (AND OPTIONAL CHICKEN)
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.
This recipe begins, “Smoky seasoned tofu (and/or chicken), creamy avocado, and crunchy slaw make these super easy summer tacos shine.”
PREP: 2 HOURS 20 MINUTES COOK: 15 MINUTES TOTAL: 2 HOURS 35 MINUTES; YIELD: 10-12 TACOS.
This is from Kitchen Treaty and can be viewed online at http://www.kitchentreaty.com/grilled-tofu-tacos-with-walla-walla-sweet-onion-slaw-and-optional-chicken/
Ingredients
2 (14-ounce) blocks extra-firm tofu
For the marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the slaw:
1/2 medium cabbage, quartered and thinly sliced
1/2 medium Walla Walla Sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Plus:
1 large avocado, sliced
10-12 tortillas (depending on how full you like to stuff your tacos)*
Directions:
Press tofu to drain. I place each block on a dinner plate on top of a layer of paper towels, then place more paper towels on top. Then I put 3-4 dinner plates on top and let it press down on the tofu for 20-30 minutes. Slice tofu into 6-7 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a zipper bag or container with airtight cover. If using chicken, add chicken to a zipper bag.
Make the marinade. Add all marinade ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Pour marinade over tofu and/or chicken. If using half tofu/half chicken, just evenly divide the marinade between the two. Place in refrigerator and marinate for 2 hours.
Heat grill to medium-high, about 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook tofu and/or chicken until browned and cooked through, 10-14 minutes. We only have one grill, so we always use the left side for my vegetarian stuff, and the right side for the meaty stuff. Remove tofu and/or meat from grill and let cool enough to cut into taco-size pieces (I just cut the tofu pieces in half).
Place the tortillas on the grill and heat until slightly browned and heated through, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Keep on a plate covered by a damp dishtowel until ready to serve.
While the tofu/meat and tortillas are cooking, make the slaw. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients with salad tongs or your clean hands. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
To assemble tacos, grab a tortilla and lay one or two avocado slices on the bottom. Top with a coulple pieces of tofu or chicken, and top with slaw. Serve.
*GLUTEN-FREE OPTION
Use corn tortillas (or other gluten-free tortillas)
Monday, June 26, 2017
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Springtime Spaghetti Carbonara and Peach Pie. Enjoy!
BERRY GOOD WORKOUT SMOOTHIE
This recipe, as well as the next one (Sunrise Smoothie) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.
This recipe begins, “Get the energy you need to power through your workout in minutes with this easy-to-make smoothie recipe. For an extra dose of calcium, try adding a teaspoon of Organic Kale Powder.”
Servings: 1
1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 162.5; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 41.5 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 32 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 5 mg
SUNRISE SMOOTHIE
This one begins, “Blend apricot and peach together, and your smoothie will look like an early-morning sunrise.”
Servings: 4
1 banana
1 cup apricot nectar, chilled
1 container (8 oz) low-fat peach yogurt
1 Tbsp frozen lemonade concentrate
1/2 cup club soda, chilled
Combine the banana, apricot nectar, yogurt, and lemonade concentrate. Process for 30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the club soda and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 130; Protein: 2.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 1.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 43.5 mg
PEACH PIE
This comes from my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking, available from Amazon.com.
4 C peaches, cut up
dash salt
1 – 1 1/4 C sugar
2 T butter
3 T unbleached flour
1 unbaked pie shell & lattice top
Arrange peaches in unbaked pie shell. Mix sugar, flour & salt. Sprinkle over peaches. Dot with butter. Cover with lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
This comes from Rachel Ray, star of The Food Network's 30 Minute Meals. Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Inactive Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, half a palm full
2 teaspoons hot sauce, just eyeball the amount (recommended: Tabasco)
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, eyeball it
Salt and pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve. The corn will also place a quick-chill on this easy side-salad as it defrosts - no need to refrigerate!
SPRINGTIME SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
This is from Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Tara wrote, “This lighter, brighter version of the classic Italian pasta dish is adapted from one found in “Almost Meatless: Recipes That Are Better for Your Health and the Planet” by Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond. It is incredibly simple – if you can chop vegetables, boil water and whisk eggs, you can make this dish – but it's also indubitably luxurious. Everyone will think you slaved for hours when, really, you slaved for about 20 minutes. Timing is everything in this recipe, so be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature before you start, and have all of the ingredients ready before you toss the pasta in the water.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in “An Almost-Meatless Diet” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 pound English peas, shelled (about 1 cup), or 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 pound spaghetti
4 ounces asparagus, sliced diagonally 1/8-inch thick (1 cup)
10 fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
5 eggs, whisked, at room temperature
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish (2 ounces)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add the bacon, cooking for about 5 minutes, until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel and set aside. Return the pan with the rendered fat to the stove top for future use.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the peas into the water and cook them for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a strainer with a slotted spoon or a spider basket. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the bacon fat in the sauté pan over medium heat. Add the peas and asparagus, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the basil, and set aside.
Whisk together the eggs and milk. Have the egg mixture, vegetables and bacon ready to toss with very hot pasta.
Quickly drain the pasta and transfer immediately to a large serving bowl. Pour the eggs and cheese on top of the pasta, and toss vigorously to coat the strands and gently cook the eggs, forming a creamy sauce. Add the vegetables and bacon, and continue tossing to incorporate them. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Portion the spaghetti on plates and ladle any sauce left in the bowl over each serving. Grate additional cheese on top if you like.
SPICE-RUBBED SPATCHCOCKED CHICKEN
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “A spatchcocked chicken, also called a butterflied chicken, cooks more quickly and evenly than a whole bird, giving you juicy white meat as well as dark meat in less than an hour. Here the chicken is marinated in a brown sugar and chile spice rub before being roasted until its skin is crisp and deeply flavored. If you aren’t up for spatchcocking your own bird, you can ask your butcher to do it for you.”
Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in “A Chicken-Roasting Method All Good Cooks Know” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 chicken, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds, patted dry
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ancho or New Mexico chile powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 bay leaves, torn or cut into pieces
Lime or lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation
Spatchcock the chicken by using poultry shears or kitchen scissors (or a sharp knife) to cut along one side of the backbone until the chicken opens. If you like you can cut along the other side of the backbone and remove it, or leave it attached to roast with the rest of the bird. Open up the bird and place it so it lies flat, breast side up. Press hard onto the center of the breast until you feel a pop, and the breast lies more or less flat.
In a small bowl, mix together sugar, salt, chile powder, paprika, mustard powder, oregano, pepper, allspice and bay leaves. Smear the mixture all over the chicken. Lay chicken, skin side up, on a rimmed baking sheet (or plate) and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. If the chicken isn’t on a rimmed baking sheet, transfer it to one. Roast chicken until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pricked with a fork (an instant-read thermometer plunged into the thickest part of the breast will read 150), 40 to 50 minutes.
Remove from oven, cover bird with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side.
BERRY GOOD WORKOUT SMOOTHIE
This recipe, as well as the next one (Sunrise Smoothie) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.
This recipe begins, “Get the energy you need to power through your workout in minutes with this easy-to-make smoothie recipe. For an extra dose of calcium, try adding a teaspoon of Organic Kale Powder.”
Servings: 1
1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 162.5; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 41.5 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 32 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 5 mg
SUNRISE SMOOTHIE
This one begins, “Blend apricot and peach together, and your smoothie will look like an early-morning sunrise.”
Servings: 4
1 banana
1 cup apricot nectar, chilled
1 container (8 oz) low-fat peach yogurt
1 Tbsp frozen lemonade concentrate
1/2 cup club soda, chilled
Combine the banana, apricot nectar, yogurt, and lemonade concentrate. Process for 30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the club soda and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 130; Protein: 2.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 1.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 43.5 mg
PEACH PIE
This comes from my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking, available from Amazon.com.
4 C peaches, cut up
dash salt
1 – 1 1/4 C sugar
2 T butter
3 T unbleached flour
1 unbaked pie shell & lattice top
Arrange peaches in unbaked pie shell. Mix sugar, flour & salt. Sprinkle over peaches. Dot with butter. Cover with lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
This comes from Rachel Ray, star of The Food Network's 30 Minute Meals. Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Inactive Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, half a palm full
2 teaspoons hot sauce, just eyeball the amount (recommended: Tabasco)
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, eyeball it
Salt and pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve. The corn will also place a quick-chill on this easy side-salad as it defrosts - no need to refrigerate!
SPRINGTIME SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
This is from Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Tara wrote, “This lighter, brighter version of the classic Italian pasta dish is adapted from one found in “Almost Meatless: Recipes That Are Better for Your Health and the Planet” by Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond. It is incredibly simple – if you can chop vegetables, boil water and whisk eggs, you can make this dish – but it's also indubitably luxurious. Everyone will think you slaved for hours when, really, you slaved for about 20 minutes. Timing is everything in this recipe, so be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature before you start, and have all of the ingredients ready before you toss the pasta in the water.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in “An Almost-Meatless Diet” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 pound English peas, shelled (about 1 cup), or 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 pound spaghetti
4 ounces asparagus, sliced diagonally 1/8-inch thick (1 cup)
10 fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
5 eggs, whisked, at room temperature
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish (2 ounces)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add the bacon, cooking for about 5 minutes, until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel and set aside. Return the pan with the rendered fat to the stove top for future use.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the peas into the water and cook them for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a strainer with a slotted spoon or a spider basket. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the bacon fat in the sauté pan over medium heat. Add the peas and asparagus, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the basil, and set aside.
Whisk together the eggs and milk. Have the egg mixture, vegetables and bacon ready to toss with very hot pasta.
Quickly drain the pasta and transfer immediately to a large serving bowl. Pour the eggs and cheese on top of the pasta, and toss vigorously to coat the strands and gently cook the eggs, forming a creamy sauce. Add the vegetables and bacon, and continue tossing to incorporate them. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Portion the spaghetti on plates and ladle any sauce left in the bowl over each serving. Grate additional cheese on top if you like.
SPICE-RUBBED SPATCHCOCKED CHICKEN
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “A spatchcocked chicken, also called a butterflied chicken, cooks more quickly and evenly than a whole bird, giving you juicy white meat as well as dark meat in less than an hour. Here the chicken is marinated in a brown sugar and chile spice rub before being roasted until its skin is crisp and deeply flavored. If you aren’t up for spatchcocking your own bird, you can ask your butcher to do it for you.”
Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in “A Chicken-Roasting Method All Good Cooks Know” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 chicken, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds, patted dry
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ancho or New Mexico chile powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 bay leaves, torn or cut into pieces
Lime or lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation
Spatchcock the chicken by using poultry shears or kitchen scissors (or a sharp knife) to cut along one side of the backbone until the chicken opens. If you like you can cut along the other side of the backbone and remove it, or leave it attached to roast with the rest of the bird. Open up the bird and place it so it lies flat, breast side up. Press hard onto the center of the breast until you feel a pop, and the breast lies more or less flat.
In a small bowl, mix together sugar, salt, chile powder, paprika, mustard powder, oregano, pepper, allspice and bay leaves. Smear the mixture all over the chicken. Lay chicken, skin side up, on a rimmed baking sheet (or plate) and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. If the chicken isn’t on a rimmed baking sheet, transfer it to one. Roast chicken until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pricked with a fork (an instant-read thermometer plunged into the thickest part of the breast will read 150), 40 to 50 minutes.
Remove from oven, cover bird with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side.
Meatless Monday
It's Meatless Monday, time to try out vegetarian food. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you start the week off right, including Creamy Irish Potato Soup and Magic Caterpillar Peanut Butter Bread. Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN CHILI
This comes from Ken Stross in Runner’s World. It begins, “Bursting with protein and fiber, this chili makes a hearty dinner. Serve with brown rice and a green salad.” Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
To view this online, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/vegetarian-chili.
Ingredients
4 ribs celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 cup salsa
1 cup low-sodium tomato or vegetable juice
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
Directions
Combine the celery, garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, corn, chiles, salsa, juice, broth, cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a large stockpot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
BLACK BEAN VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH SWEET POTATO
This is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food expert. For this one, Jolinda wrote, “I have to confess, chili is not my favorite of vegetarian meals, but even I couldn't stop eating this vegetarian and vegan black bean chili, it was just so flavorful! The sweet potatoes and carrots match perfectly with the spiciness of the fresh chili flavor. This is my new favorite homemade chili recipe!” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 3-4 servings (though it ends “Makes 5 servings of homemade black bean chili.”)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 15 ounce can black beans (or a little less than two cups, if you're cooking them fresh)
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Preparation
Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil for a minute or two, then add sweet potatoes, carrots and bell pepper until onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium low, and add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine well.
Simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until flavors have mingled and vegetables are cooked.
MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live. However, you might be able to check out a few episodes by Google-ing his name for the latest places that show him, or on YouTube. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. This recipe yields 1 loaf.
Ingredients:
1 package Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
For decoration: tubes of colored frosting, candies, gumdrops, licorice, etc.
Directions:
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand about 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Combine milk, peanut butter, sugar and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Let cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until flour is thoroughly incorporated.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed to keep dough manageable. Rinse and dry bowl, then lightly oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Roll dough into a rope about 24 inches long. Form rope into a large S shape on a lightly greased 18x12-inch baking sheet. Using a butter knife or dough scraper, chop rope into 3-inch sections, but do not separate completely. Cover with a cloth and let rise about 30 minutes. (The caterpillar will magically grow back together during rising and baking.)
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaf 25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cooled loaf with frosting and gumdrops or other candy. Poke holes in the sides with a wooden pick and insert sections of licorice for legs.
Note: Decorating gel doesn't work as well as frosting as a glue for the candy decorations, so make sure you pick up the right tube at the store. Any candies will work to make spots for the caterpillar's sections. Thin red licorice makes the perfect legs and antennae, unless you know your youngsters prefer the flavor of black licorice.
FRESH TOMATO SOUP
This comes from Stephanie Gallagher, About.com’s Cooking for Families expert. Stephanie wrote, “When your garden is overflowing with fresh tomatoes, this is the soup to make. Not only does this recipe showcase the sweet flavor of fresh tomatoes beautifully, it is also extremely versatile. You can make this soup with any fresh tomatoes you have, from cherry tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes. By pureeing the soup, you don't need to seed or peel the tomatoes - everything just gets mixed in the blender - and you don't need any cream either.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Note: This recipe originally called for vegetable or chicken broth. Since this is a vegetarian blog, I've omitted the chicken broth and am leaving it as only the vegetable broth.
Ingredients
6 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (any kind)
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart vegetable broth broth
kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1-3 teaspoons sugar
chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Preparation
Place tomatoes, onions, garlic and broth in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, and let simmer 20 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the onions and garlic are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer mixture in batches to a blender, and puree until smooth (I use my Vita-Mix Blender (compare prices), which I love, but it is pricey.)
Heat butter in another large soup pot over medium heat. Add flour, whisking until mixture turns golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk the pureed tomato soup into butter-flour roux. Stir balsamic vinegar and sugar into the soup. Heat until tomato soup thickens. Taste, and adjust seasonings (add more salt, pepper, vinegar and/or sugar, as needed).
Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve, garnished with chopped fresh basil. Or let the soup cool completely, and transfer to freezer-safe containers to freeze.
7-LAYER MEATLESS TORTILLA PIE
Tortillas without meat? Yes, most assuredly! This yummy recipe is from FamilyTime.com, and begins, “Black beans and pinto beans are flavored with Pace® Picante Sauce and seasonings to make separate and delicious bean mixtures, which are then layered with flour tortillas and Cheddar cheese, and baked until hot, but into wedges and served.” Prep time: 20 minutes; Cooking time: 40 minutes; Serves: 6 servings (1 wedge each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cans (about 15 ounces each), pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or 1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons choped fresh cilantro leaves
1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
7 flour tortillas (8-inch)
8 ounces Shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Directions
Mash the pinto beans in a medium bowl with a fork. Stir in 3/4 cup picante sauce and the garlic powder.
Stir the remaining picante sauce, cilantro, black beans and tomato in a medium bowl.
Place 1 tortilla onto a baking sheet. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over the tortilla to with 1/2-inch of the edge. Top with 1/4 cheese. Top with 1 tortilla and 2/3 cup black bean mixture. Top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat the layers twice more. Top with the remaining tortilla and spread with the remainning pinto bean mixture. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until the filling is hot. Uncover the pie. Top with the remaining cheese. Cut the pie into 6 wedges. Serve with additional picante sauce and spring with additional cilantro, if desired.
CREAMY IRISH POTATO SOUP
This recipe comes from Campbell's Kitchen; to view this recipe online, click here. The recipe starts off, "This rich and creamy potato soup is subtly flavored with celery and green onions. It's the kind of soup you'll want to savor slowly...even though it's ready in just 35 minutes." The recipe originally called for chicken broth, but I changed it to vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Prep. time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes; Serves: 5 servings (1 1/4 cups each)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium green onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 stalk celery, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 3/4 cups Swanson® Vegetable Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 medium potato, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until they're tender.
Stir the broth, black pepper and potatoes in the saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Place half of the broth mixture and half of the milk in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Repeat with the remaining broth mixture and remaining milk. Return to the saucepan and heat through.
VEGETARIAN CHILI
This comes from Ken Stross in Runner’s World. It begins, “Bursting with protein and fiber, this chili makes a hearty dinner. Serve with brown rice and a green salad.” Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
To view this online, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/vegetarian-chili.
Ingredients
4 ribs celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 cup salsa
1 cup low-sodium tomato or vegetable juice
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
Directions
Combine the celery, garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, corn, chiles, salsa, juice, broth, cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a large stockpot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
BLACK BEAN VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH SWEET POTATO
This is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food expert. For this one, Jolinda wrote, “I have to confess, chili is not my favorite of vegetarian meals, but even I couldn't stop eating this vegetarian and vegan black bean chili, it was just so flavorful! The sweet potatoes and carrots match perfectly with the spiciness of the fresh chili flavor. This is my new favorite homemade chili recipe!” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 3-4 servings (though it ends “Makes 5 servings of homemade black bean chili.”)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 15 ounce can black beans (or a little less than two cups, if you're cooking them fresh)
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Preparation
Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil for a minute or two, then add sweet potatoes, carrots and bell pepper until onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium low, and add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine well.
Simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until flavors have mingled and vegetables are cooked.
MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live. However, you might be able to check out a few episodes by Google-ing his name for the latest places that show him, or on YouTube. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. This recipe yields 1 loaf.
Ingredients:
1 package Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
For decoration: tubes of colored frosting, candies, gumdrops, licorice, etc.
Directions:
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand about 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Combine milk, peanut butter, sugar and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Let cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until flour is thoroughly incorporated.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed to keep dough manageable. Rinse and dry bowl, then lightly oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Roll dough into a rope about 24 inches long. Form rope into a large S shape on a lightly greased 18x12-inch baking sheet. Using a butter knife or dough scraper, chop rope into 3-inch sections, but do not separate completely. Cover with a cloth and let rise about 30 minutes. (The caterpillar will magically grow back together during rising and baking.)
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaf 25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cooled loaf with frosting and gumdrops or other candy. Poke holes in the sides with a wooden pick and insert sections of licorice for legs.
Note: Decorating gel doesn't work as well as frosting as a glue for the candy decorations, so make sure you pick up the right tube at the store. Any candies will work to make spots for the caterpillar's sections. Thin red licorice makes the perfect legs and antennae, unless you know your youngsters prefer the flavor of black licorice.
FRESH TOMATO SOUP
This comes from Stephanie Gallagher, About.com’s Cooking for Families expert. Stephanie wrote, “When your garden is overflowing with fresh tomatoes, this is the soup to make. Not only does this recipe showcase the sweet flavor of fresh tomatoes beautifully, it is also extremely versatile. You can make this soup with any fresh tomatoes you have, from cherry tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes. By pureeing the soup, you don't need to seed or peel the tomatoes - everything just gets mixed in the blender - and you don't need any cream either.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Note: This recipe originally called for vegetable or chicken broth. Since this is a vegetarian blog, I've omitted the chicken broth and am leaving it as only the vegetable broth.
Ingredients
6 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (any kind)
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart vegetable broth broth
kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1-3 teaspoons sugar
chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Preparation
Place tomatoes, onions, garlic and broth in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium, and let simmer 20 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the onions and garlic are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer mixture in batches to a blender, and puree until smooth (I use my Vita-Mix Blender (compare prices), which I love, but it is pricey.)
Heat butter in another large soup pot over medium heat. Add flour, whisking until mixture turns golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk the pureed tomato soup into butter-flour roux. Stir balsamic vinegar and sugar into the soup. Heat until tomato soup thickens. Taste, and adjust seasonings (add more salt, pepper, vinegar and/or sugar, as needed).
Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve, garnished with chopped fresh basil. Or let the soup cool completely, and transfer to freezer-safe containers to freeze.
7-LAYER MEATLESS TORTILLA PIE
Tortillas without meat? Yes, most assuredly! This yummy recipe is from FamilyTime.com, and begins, “Black beans and pinto beans are flavored with Pace® Picante Sauce and seasonings to make separate and delicious bean mixtures, which are then layered with flour tortillas and Cheddar cheese, and baked until hot, but into wedges and served.” Prep time: 20 minutes; Cooking time: 40 minutes; Serves: 6 servings (1 wedge each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cans (about 15 ounces each), pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or 1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons choped fresh cilantro leaves
1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
7 flour tortillas (8-inch)
8 ounces Shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Directions
Mash the pinto beans in a medium bowl with a fork. Stir in 3/4 cup picante sauce and the garlic powder.
Stir the remaining picante sauce, cilantro, black beans and tomato in a medium bowl.
Place 1 tortilla onto a baking sheet. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over the tortilla to with 1/2-inch of the edge. Top with 1/4 cheese. Top with 1 tortilla and 2/3 cup black bean mixture. Top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat the layers twice more. Top with the remaining tortilla and spread with the remainning pinto bean mixture. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until the filling is hot. Uncover the pie. Top with the remaining cheese. Cut the pie into 6 wedges. Serve with additional picante sauce and spring with additional cilantro, if desired.
CREAMY IRISH POTATO SOUP
This recipe comes from Campbell's Kitchen; to view this recipe online, click here. The recipe starts off, "This rich and creamy potato soup is subtly flavored with celery and green onions. It's the kind of soup you'll want to savor slowly...even though it's ready in just 35 minutes." The recipe originally called for chicken broth, but I changed it to vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Prep. time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes; Serves: 5 servings (1 1/4 cups each)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium green onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 stalk celery, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 3/4 cups Swanson® Vegetable Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 medium potato, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until they're tender.
Stir the broth, black pepper and potatoes in the saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Place half of the broth mixture and half of the milk in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Repeat with the remaining broth mixture and remaining milk. Return to the saucepan and heat through.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)