Crispy Chicken with Braised Cauliflower

 Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp. chopped tarragon
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 tbsp. chopped garlic
• 2 cups Swiss chard or kale, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Let sit while your prepare the remaining ingredients
3. Combine egg, mustard, 1 tablespoon tarragon, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Set aside. 
4. Combine bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon tarragon, and 1 tablespoon olive oil; toss to coat bread crumbs with oil. Pour onto a flat pan. Set aside.
5. Heat a Dutch oven or a large deep saute pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and chicken. Brown the chicken on both sides. Remove from pan. Pour off any excess grease. Add cauliflower to pan; saute 5 minutes until golden brown. Add onions and garlic; cook until aromatic. Add greens and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. 
6. Toss the chicken in the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir to coat each piece. Place 1 side of each piece of chicken in the bread crumbs to coat. Place chicken with crumb side up on top of the cauliflower in the Dutch oven.
7. Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bread crumbs have browned. Remove from the oven; let rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Diet Cookbook. This is a healthy alternative to fried chicken or fast food fried chicken. This chicken is seasoned with an egg, Dijon mustard, dried bread crumbs and herbs and cooked with healthy vegetables. The cauliflower and kale give this dish a healthy  and satisfying filling with the chicken. The chicken is so succulent and juicy it will melt in your mouth. I highly recommend adding more herbs of your choice to the bread crumb mixture to make the chicken more flavorful. 

Creamy Cauliflower & Chicken

 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 cup cauliflower rice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. celery seeds
• 1/4 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp. chopped parsley

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. 
2. Pat the chicken dry. Dice it into 1/2-inch pieces and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, until cooked through. 
3. Remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the grease in the pan. 
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to melt.
5. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. 
6. Add the cauliflower rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5  minutes, until soft. 
7. Transfer the cauliflower mixture to a food processor. Add the Parmesan, celery seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. Process for 1-2 minutes, until completely smooth. 
8. Return the mixture to the pan over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and white beans and toss to coat. Heat for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken and beans are warmed. 
9. Divide mixture into 4 portions and serve garnished with parsley. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. This dish is a healthy alternative on a traditional chicken alfredo dish. The creamy 'sauce' is made up of chicken broth, cauliflower rice, garlic, butter, onion, and Parmesan cheese pureed in a blender and poured into the pan mixed with the chicken and vegetables. I highly recommend adding 1 cup of broccoli florets to the end of the cooking to make the dish more flavorful and filling. This dish is another great way to kick-start your diet or healthy lifestyle when you fell off the bandwagon or got off track. This dish leaves a nice aftertaste in your mouth and you will be satisfied afterwards. 

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

 Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 1.5 lb. chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp Za'atar Seasoning (or other greek seasoning)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Mediterranean Salsa:

• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 3/4 cup kalamata olives
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 4 cups frozen cauliflower rice
• salt 
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup store bought Tzatziki sauce

Makes 8 Servings

1. Prepare the chicken by cutting into 1-inch cubes. Place chicken into a resealable storage bag with the remaining ingredients. Toss to coat evenly. Let chicken marinade for at least 30 minutes.
2. While the chicken is marinating make the Mediterranean salsa by dicing the cucumber, tomatoes and onion. Place into a medium bowl with the olives and toss with olive oil, vinegar and oregano.
3. Reheat the frozen cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Once heated through, place a paper towel on top of the cauliflower rice and press down to soak up the extra liquid. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside.
4. After the chicken has marinated, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and the marinade into the pan and spread out into an even layer. Cook for approximately 4 minutes each side or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
5. To assemble the bowls, divide the chicken and cauliflower rice evenly between four bowls. Top with the salsa and Tzatziki.

WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on the website palm.southbeachdiet.com/recipes.  Her is another dish to kickstart your weight loss journey or healthy lifestyle. The flavors of the Mediterranean burst with flavor and fill you up. If you were to go to a fast food joint, a chicken bowl would probably be filled with fried chicken, mashed potatoes or rice and little or no vegetables. This chicken bowl is reimagined with grilled chicken, homemade salsa and cauliflower rice. This bowl is packed with protein and vegetables and will fill you up for lunch or dinner. 

Chicken Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive  oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 1 (one-inch) piece fresh gingerroot, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1 lb. lean ground chicken or turkey
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
• 1 small dried bay leaf
• 2 cups packed baby kale

For the Topping:

• 2 cups finely chopped cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp. ghee or butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 
2. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft. Stir in the ginger, garlic, and turmeric and cook, stirring for 30 seconds, until fragrant. 
3. Add the chicken and turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, thyme, marjoram and bay leaf, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the baby kale and turn off the heat. 
4. Meanwhile, steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes, until soft. Transfer the cauliflower to a large saucepan and mash it with the ghee, heavy cream, turmeric (if using), and cheddar over medium heat, until creamy. If you prefer a smoother mash, blitz the mixture in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set it aside. 
5. Transfer the filling to a large pie dish or divide it among 4 individual pie dishes or ramekins. Top it with the mashed cauliflower, ruffling it with a fork. 
6. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 11 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Shepherd's Pie is considered the national dish of England and a classic comfort food. This version is keto-friendly because it contains a lot of vegetables and uses lean ground meat. The mashed cauliflower is used in place of traditional mashed potatoes. You can use lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey in this recipe for a succulent flavor. Don't worry if the plate looks messy; it still tastes delicious. 

Beef Burrito Bowls

Ingredients:

Beef:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 2 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the Bowls:

• 2 tsp. avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cups cauliflower rice (1 medium head, grated or finely chopped)
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, sliced

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until no longer pink. 
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned, about 5 minutes. 
3. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the cauliflower rice. Cook until tender about 5 minutes. 
4. Assemble 4 bowls with equally distributed cauliflower rice and beef, adding the red onion, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, salsa, avocado, and cilantro. Serve with the lime slices. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 11 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Burrito bowls may be messy but they are delicious. You don't have to go to a Mexican fast food joint to get your cravings for Mexican food. You can make these guilty pleasures at home for a fraction of the price. These bowls use cauliflower rice in place of real rice. You can also use ground chicken, turkey or pork in this dish and the bowls will be delicious. The bowl are also loaded with vegetables which will fil lyou up. 

Home-Style Chicken & 'Rice'

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp. tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1 1/2 cups cooked cauliflower rice
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan.
2. Pat the chicken dry. Dice it into 1/2-inch pieces and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook it for 3-4 minutes, until brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside, reserving the grease in the pan. 
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to melt. 
4. Add the onion, carrot, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are browned. 
5. Sprinkle the vegetables with tapioca flour and stir for 1 minute to incorporate. 
6.  Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and paprika to the mixture. Bring it to a light boil. 
7. Return the chicken to the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened. Evenly distribute the cauliflower rice into 4 individual bowl; than add the cooked chicken and veggies. Garnish with parsley and serve. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. I had chicken and rice for dinner as a kid and it was NOTHING like this dish. This chicken dish is filled with vegetables and flavor. The rice in this dish is shredded cauliflower. Shredded cauliflower is so good you'll forget it's not rice. The sauce has a nice, spicy taste to it adding flavor to the succulent chicken and vegetables. Serve this comfort food dish and it will become a staple favorite on the weekeday. 

Chicken Fajita Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 cup sliced onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp. chipotle chili powder
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 1/2 cup cooked cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro

Makes 4 Servings (1 bowl per serving)

1.  Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. 
2. Pat the chicken dry. Dice into 1/2-inch pieces and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Place it in the hot skillet and brown it for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside, reserving the grease in the pan. 
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent. 
4. Whisk together tomato paste, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste into small bowl. 
5. Add this mixture along with the cooked chicken and the black beans to the veggies in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened. 
6. Divide cauliflower rice into 4 bowls; then top with mixture from the pan. Garnish with the cheese and cilantro. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Don't worry if this dish looks like a mess. It's actually quite filling and delicious. You can enjoy fajitas without the tortilla. The chicken is seasoned with salt, freshly ground pepper and paprika and it's so succulent and juicy. The sautéed vegetables go great with the chicken and the cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is just shredded cauliflower and you'll never know the difference between regular rice and cauliflower rice. The 'tomato sauce' goes very well in this dish too. This fajita bowl will quickly become a favorite at your kitchen table.

Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 6 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg
• 3 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. dried minced onion
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp. dried oregano

Makes 12 Breadsticks (2 breadsticks per serving)

1.  Place oven racks on the top and middle rungs of the oven and preheat it to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. 
2. Press the cauliflower rice between 2 clean towels to remove the excess liquid. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl. 
3. Add 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, 4 tablespoons of the Parmesan, the egg, and the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine into a dough that holds its shape when pinched together. 
4. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Press it into an oval about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the lower of the 2 oven racks and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bottom is crisp and golden. 
6. Meanwhile, whisk together in a small bowl the olive oil, minced onion, thyme, rosemary, ad oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set the mixture aside. 
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Increase the heat to broil. 
8. Brush the olive oil mixture all over the bread and then sprinkle it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Return it to the top of the rack of the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye on the bread to prevent burning. Allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes. Cut it into 12 slices and enjoy it warm. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto Friendly South Beach Diet Book. Garlic bread is a delicious comfort food to enjoy when you're eating Italian food. This is a new take on garlic bread and it is delicious. The texture is not hard and it's moist and flavorful. These breadsticks keep very well in the refrigerator or freezer. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days or store them in a bag and store them in the freezer. 

Roast Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 oz. white wine
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp. rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped garlic
• 1 whole chicken, giblets and fat removed
• 2 cups turnips, peeled, cut in 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 cups carrots, peeled, cut in 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 cups cauliflower, cut in 1 1/2-inch florets
• 1 oz. extra-virgin olive oil
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4-6 Servings (4 oz. of chicken & 1 cup vegetables per serving)

1. Place a shallow roasting pan with a rack in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. Combine 1 ounce olive oil, wine, mustard, rosemary, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Gently loosen the skin from the breast and legs of the chicken, being careful not to tear the skin. Rub 3/4 of rosemary mixture underneath the skin of the chicken. Rub the remaining 1/4 all over the skin. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken  on the rack in the roasting pan in the oven. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. Toss the vegetables with 1 ounce olive oil. Place around the chicken in the bottom of the pan. Every 10-15 minutes, baste the chicken with the juices and fat that have accumulated in the bottom of the pan, and turn the vegetables. Roast another 45-50 minutes until the juice runs clear or until the chicken is 165°  at the thigh or about 160° F at the breast.
6. Let rest in a warm place for 15 minutes before carving.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Who doesn't love a good roast chicken once in a while. This roast chicken with roasted vegetables is kicked up a notch with the sophisticated flavors of  olive oil, white wine, garlic & Dijon mustard. The chicken had a nice aroma and taste to it. You can replace the turnips and carrots or use them with sliced onions or fennel, Brussel sprouts, butternut squash, parsnips or rutabagas, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces and your meal will be delicious. If you serve this dinner to your kids along with the vegetables, they will eat this meal up and not care about the vegetables. Don't forget to serve white wine with this dish for the adults.

Indian Vegetable Curry

Ingredients:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
• 3/4 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 1/4 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-fat or nonfat yogurt
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4. tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups small cauliflower florets
• 4 oz. green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Makes 4 (1-cup) Servings

1. In a food processor, combine garlic and ginger; pulse until finely chopped
2. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic mixture, onion, curry powder, cumin seeds, and cayenne; stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, 3/4 cup of yogurt, and salt; stir to combine. Add cauliflower, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Add green beans, chickpeas, and water; cover and simmer for 10 minutes more. Add zucchini and continue to cook, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes more.
4. Spoon curry into 4 bowls and season lightly with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Top with remaining yogurt and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve warm.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Die Taste of Summer Cookbook. If you like spicy food, this dish is for you.  This dish is also great when you've fallen off the wagon and you want to re-start your weight loss journey. There are 6 servings of vegetables and 6 different herbs and spices in this dish. Don't be intimidated if this dish looks like a hot mess. It's not a bad dish to eat. I highly recommend serving homemade Naan (Indian flatbread) with this dish to cool off your tastebuds and for a more authentic Indian flare.

Surprise South Beach Mashed "Potatoes"

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp trans-free butter spray
• 1 oz. fat-free half-and-half
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

 

Place a steamer basket  in a large saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Place the cauliflower in the steamer and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover , and cook for 4 mintutes, or until crisp tender. Puree in a food processor, adding butters spray and the half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper.
 

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This was a different alternative to mashed potatoes. I have come to really enjoy cauliflower and I was looking forward to trying this side dish. It was totally different but not high on my list even though it's healthy. Even though the cookbook says you can fool people with these surpise mashed "potatoes." TOTALLY WRONG! You can taste the difference between cauliflower and pototatoes. This side dish is healthy for you and a good substitute if you're craving mashed potatoes and you want to lose weight fast. Also, if you don't have any butter spray, I highly recommend using  Organic Butter Infused Olive Oil from the Imperial Olive in Williamsburg, VA. For more info, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com. 

Indian Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 (2-pound) head cauliflower, cut into florets (4 cups)
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can light coconut milk
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 (2-cup) Servings

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, and ginger to the same skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add cauliflower, coconut milk and broth; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until  vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken back to the pan and cook until sauce is thickened and reduced, about 5 minutes. Serve hot.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. I was in the mood for chicken and veggies with some heat and this dish was perfect. The combination of coconut milk, chicken broth, curry powder and ginger give this dish a dash of heat. The cauliflower and chicken will quickly fill you up. This meal is a great way to kick-start your weight-loss journey and it's also a great weeknight meal.

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

Ingredients:

• 8 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas, cut into 4 triangles each
• 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Assorted raw & blanched vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions

Makes 2 Cups and 32 Pita chips

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Place pita wedges on a baking sheet and bake until crisp, 10-12 minutes.
2. Puree chickpeas, cannellini beans, tomatoes plus 1 tablespoon of their oil, and garlic in a food processor. Add yogurt, lemon juice, sesame oil, cumin, and salt; process until smooth. Serve at room temperature with pita triangles and vegetables for dipping.
    

 WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pts per tbsp dip & 4 pts per 4 pita triangles

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Who doesn't enjoy chips and dip once in a while? Forget the hummus at the grocery store; you can make this colorful hummus at home in 10 minutes or less. This was my first time making hummus and it was so delicious. It was a party in my mouth with the sun-dried tomato zing, the toasted sesame oil, heat from the cumin and the tanginess of the lemon juice. This hummus is great for when you're having company or even when you're at home watching a movie. If you're on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, enjoy the green veggies, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers and skip the carrots and pita chips. 

Garlicky Eggplant Dip

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, lightly smashed and peeled
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1 (2-pound) eggplant, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Assorted raw and blanched vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions

Makes 2 Cups

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and pepper flakes; reduce heat to medium-low and cook until vegetables are softened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in eggplant, salt and a pinch of black pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is very soft, 25-30 minutes. Transfer eggplant mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
2. When cooled, process eggplant in a food processor or in batches in a blender until smooth, 1-2 minutes, adding lemon juice during the final 30 seconds of processing. Serve at room temperature with assorted vegetables for dipping.

WW POINTS VALUE: 0 pts per serving (1 tbsp per serving)

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Eggplant is in season right now and this will make a nice treat for a party or even for leftovers. I cooked this dip earlier this evening and it made the kitchen smell heavenly. It even tasted delicious. You can serve this dip with chicken, pork and even on top of fish or a crostini and the dip will still be delicious. The keys to cooking good food are olive oil, onions and garlic. Without these key ingredients, your dishes will be bland and have no flavor.