Showing posts with label cumin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cumin. Show all posts

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Chicken & Bell Pepper Fajitas

 Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp. lime juice
  • 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut on diagonal into thin strips
  • 2 tsp. canola oil
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 (6-inch) fat-free flour tortillas, warmed
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
Makes 4 Servings (1 fajita, 2 tablespoons salsa, & 1 tablespoon sour cream per serving)

  1. To make marinade, combine lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, and pepper flakes in a large zip-close plastic bag; add chicken. Squeeze out air and seal bag; turn to coat chicken. Refrigerate, turning bag occasionally, at least 2 hours or up to over night. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. 
  2. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes, adding 1 or 2 tablespoons water if skillet becomes dry. Transfer to plate; keep warm. 
  3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook, stirring, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. 
  4. Place tortillas on work surface; top each with one-fourth of chicken vegetables. Roll up tortillas to enclose filling. Serve with salsa and sour cream. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Fajitas are a wonderful comfort food of the Latin culture. They are flavorful, they quickly fill you up and leave you satisfied. These fajitas are delicious they will quickly become a favorite in your home. You can use any kind of protein in this dish such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork and even fish in this recipe and your fajitas will be delicious. 

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Taco Soup

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (10 oz). can diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. chili seasoning
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
Makes 8 Servings
  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté function and allow to heat. Add the olive oil, then the chopped green peppers, onions and garlic. Sauté, stirring constantly until the onions and green peppers begin to soften (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Pour in about ½ cup of the chicken broth, then use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom.
  3. Add the chicken to the pot and top with all of the other ingredients except for the ranch seasoning and cream cheese. Place the lid on the Instant Pot to seal.
  4. Set to high pressure for 14 minutes.
  5. Once the cooking time has completed, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then do a quick release by turning the pressure valve to release the steam.
  6. Once all the steam has released, remove the lid.
  7. Move the chicken breasts to a plate and shred using two forks. Set aside.
  8. Turn the Instant Pot back on to the sauté function and add the ranch seasoning.
  9. In a medium sized bowl, add in the softened cream cheese and about 1 cup of the soup mixture from the Instant Pot. Use an immersion blender or whisk to combine the cream cheese and soup thoroughly. Pour the mixture back into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
  10. Boil for about 3 minutes on sauté function, then add back in the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on www.southbeachdiet.com/recipes. Soup and Mexican food are wonderful comfort foods when they are done right. This soup will be a new favorite comfort food at your table. This hearty soup is a new take on traditional chicken soup. It's filled with flavor and vegetables that will warm your soul and make you feel good afterwards. There is also minimal cleanup when the soup is done. The cream cheese adds a nice texture to the soup as well. 
instant pot soup

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Cilantro-Cumin Marinade

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened orange juice
  • 1 tbsp. water
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 1/2 tbsp. cilantro, minced
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small uncooked onion, chopped
Makes 8 Servings
  1. Puree ingredients in blender until smooth. 
  2. Place protein of your choice in a dish and pour marinade over it. Marinate no more than 20 minutes, turning at least once. Spoon leftover marinade (boiled for 3-5 minutes to destroy bacteria) over cooked fish, if desired. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. This Latin-style marinade is aromatic and is great for any kind of protein such as fish, pork, chicken and steak. This marinade adds sweetness and heat to your meal and leaves a great aster taste in your mouth. 

Monday, May 11, 2020

Spice-Rubbed Salmon with Creamy Dill Dressing

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp. chopped chives
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
Makes 4 Servings
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease a sheet pan with olive oil and set it aside.
  2. Pat the salmon dry. Rub it with olive oil and place the fillets skin side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the salmon with Dijon mustard. 
  3. Combine the cumin, paprika, and coriander in a small bowl. 
  4. Sprinkle the salmon with the spice mix and salt and pepper to taste. 
  5. Transfer the salmon to the oven and bake it for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through. 
  6. Meanwhile, whisk together the yogurt, feta cheese, lemon juice, chives and half the dill in a bowl. 
  7. Divided the salmon into 4 equal portions and serve warm, drizzled with the creamy dill dressing and garnished with the remaining dill. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Salmon with a dressing is always a tasty dinner. The spicy Dijon glaze make these salmon filets flavorful and succulent. The creamy dill dressing goes great with the salmon and the vegetables. You can grill these salmon fillets and the meal will be just as delicious. 

Thursday, April 30, 2020

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. 



Monday, April 13, 2020

Smoky Goat Cheese & Almond Balls

Ingredients:
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1 (10 1/2 oz.) package soft goat cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened or at room temperature
  • 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. minced garlic and/or onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
For the Garnish:
  • 1/3 cup smoked almonds, chopped
  • 3 tbsp. fresh chopped chives
  • 1 tsp. fresh chopped thyme
Makes 24 balls (1 ball per serving)
  1.  Whisk together all of the cheese ball ingredients until thoroughly combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. 
  2. Line a flat serving platter with parchment paper and set it aside. 
  3. Mix together the garnish of smoked almonds, chives, and thyme in a small bowl. 
  4. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the cheese ball mixture and roll it into the almond garnish. Arrange the balls on the prepared platter and refrigerate until firm. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. These little cheese bites pack a creamy punch of flavor. These cheese balls make a nice snack and an appetizer for a gathering. The cheeses and the mashed avocado give these treats a nice creamy texture and they melt in your mouth. These cheese balls make a wonderful snack on their own or with vegetables or keto-friendly chips. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Mini Taco Salads with Cilantro-Lime Yogurt

Ingredients:
  • 12 slices Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 1 lb. ground turkey breast
  • 1/2 cup packed spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 24 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 avocado, pitted and diced
  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Makes 6 Servings (2 mini taco salads per serving)
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line two 9 x 13-inch baking sheets with parchment paper. 
  2. Evenly place 6 cheese slices on each baking sheet. Ensure adequate spacing between each cheese slice (approximately 2 inches) to avoid slices melting together. 
  3. Bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the edges of the cheese slices are golden brown and bubbling. Watch the cheese closely to avoid overcooking. 
  4. Remove the cheese slices from the oven, allowing them to cool slightly (30-60 seconds). Blot any excess oil from the cheese slices from the paper towel, and allow the slices to cool for 1-2 minutes longer. 
  5. Remove a chees slice from the baking sheet with a spatula and mold it into the first of 12 cups of a muffin tin to make a small, bowl-shaped cheese shell. Use the back end of a spoon to help shape the cheese into a cup, if necessary. 
  6. Repeat with the remaining cheese slices and let them cool completely in the muffin tin while you make the taco meat filling. 
  7.  Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
  8. Add the avocado oil to the skillet. 
  9. Add the garlic and onion and saute for 2-3 minutes. 
  10. Place the ground turkey in the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink in color. 
  11. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 
  12. Mix together onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. 
  13. Add the seasoning mixture to the skillet along with 1 tablespoon of water.
  14.  Stir the turkey mixture until the seasoning is well combined and cook for another minute before removing it from the heat.
  15. Add 1/4 cup of the cooked turkey mixture to each of the 12 cheese shells. Garnish the cups with the cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro and serve with Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Dip.
WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Don't be intimidated by the steps in this recipe. These taco salads are easy to make, they just require patience. These mini salads pack a flavorful punch with the spices and vegetables. The yogurt dip gives these salads a nice, tangy after taste to these treats. 

Monday, March 16, 2020

Spiced Lamb Loaf

Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 lb. ground lamb
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup small-diced cucumber
Makes 8 Servings (1 slice per serving)
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 
  2. Grease a loaf pan with olive oil and set aside. Put the zucchini, carrots, onions, and tomatoes in a food processor and pulse until softly textured and well combined. Transfer the vegetables to a colander and let drain for about 10-15 minutes, occasionally pressing with a clean towel to squeeze out any excess water. 
  3. Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl. With a rubber spatula or similar tool, mix in the lamb, garlic, Parmesan, almond flour, eggs, tomato paste, cumin, allspice, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. 
  4. When the mixture is uniform throughout, transfer it into the prepared loaf pan and  smooth it into an even layer. Place the loaf pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the dish with enough water to come halfway up the sides of a loaf pan.
  5.  Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the loaf is golden and cooked through. 
  6. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cucumbers and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. 
  7. Carefully pour the excess oil from the loaf pan. Allow the loaf to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan. Slice the loaf into 8 even slices and serve with tzatziki on the side. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Meat loaf is a wonderful comfort food when it's done right. You can use ground beef, turkey, or lamb in this recipe and the meatloaf will be delicious. This meatloaf is packed with vegetables and other sorts of flavor. The tzatziki sauce adds a nice tang to the meatloaf. The loaf may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze the loaf, place the individual spices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen, they may be stored together in a large freezer-safe bag. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Stuffed Pepper Tacos

Ingredients:
  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ cup pico de gallo
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 4 Tbsp. cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 Tbsp. sour cream
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced (optional)
Makes 4 Servings (1 taco per serving)
  1. Heat a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion  and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the lean ground beef to the onions. Cook until brown and no longer pink.
  3. Add the cumin and ¼ of cup water. Stir and simmer uncovered until the liquid is gone. Remove from heat. 
  4. Prepare the bell peppers by slicing in half and removing the stems and seeds.
  5. Assemble the pepper tacos by placing each bell pepper on a plate or sheet pan and filling each with the ground beef. 
  6. Top each taco equally with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, jalapeno and sour cream. Serve two pepper halves on a plate. 
WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on www.southbeachdiet.com. Tacos are a delicious comfort food. These tacos are keto-friendly and gluten-free. You can enjoy tacos without the taco shells. If you stuff taco filling into raw bell peppers, they will hold together just as well and taste just as good as in a shell. Bell peppers are the ultimate low-carb vegetable because they are crunchy, colorful and add a touch of sweetness to your meals. You can use ground turkey in place of the ground beef and the tacos will be just as delicious. 
stuffed pepper


Monday, February 10, 2020

One Pan Moroccan-Spiced Salmon Salad

Ingredients:
  • 6 oz. salmon fillet
  • 5 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • Moroccan spice blend (1/8 tsp. each of cumin, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne, ground cloves, turmeric and allspice)
  • ½ cup cucumbers, sliced (or about 6 slices)
  • ½ cup grape tomatoes, sliced (or about 12 small tomatoes)
  • 2 Tbsp. onions
  • 2 tbsp. mixed greens
  • 4 walnut halves
  • 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Makes 2 Servings
  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Brush salmon front and back with a teaspoon of olive oil (half of a teaspoon per three ounces of salmon filet). Combine your spices, mix and brush salmon lightly with spice blend. You can store any excess spices in an airtight container for future use or cook additional salmon filets if desired.
  2. Place salmon on a baking sheet or glass baking dish and cook for about 20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
  3. While salmon is cooking, gather remaining ingredients and slice cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.
  4. Place one cup of lettuce, a quarter of a cup of sliced cucumber (or about three slices), a quarter of a cup of sliced grape tomatoes (or about six small tomatoes), one tablespoon of sliced onion and two walnut halves in each salad bowl. Toss with two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil and one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. 
  5. Remove salmon from oven, place on top of salad bowl and enjoy!
WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.southbeachdiet.com. This is a very filling and flavorful meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner. Moroccan flavors are spicy and can help you will with your health. Salmon is also good for you with omega-3 fats and is heart healthy. The salad  is flavorful and crunchy and will fill you up as well. You can also grill the salmon and the meal will be just as tasty. 
One Pan Moroccan-Spiced Salmon Salad

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Burritos with Turkey and Pinto Beans

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp. canola oil
  • 3/4 lb. ground skinless turkey breast
  • 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 4 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas
  • 8 tbsp. fat-free salsa
  • 4 tbsp. reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Makes 4 Servings (1 burrito per serving)
  1. To make filling, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 6 minutes. Add beans, garlic, and chili powder; cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 minutes. 
  2. Meanwhile, warm tortillas according package directions. 
  3. Place tortilla on work surface; spoon one-fourth of filling along center. Top with 2 tablespoons salsa and 1 tablespoon cheddar; sprinkle with one-fourth of scallions. Fold sides of tortilla over to enclose filling. Place, seam side down, on platter. Repeat with remaining tortillas, filling, salsa, cheese, and scallions. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 10 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. Burritos are a delicious Mexican comfort food when they are done right. These burritos are filling and flavorful and are packed with protein and vegetables. You can make these treats for lunch or dinner and you will be satisfied. 

Monday, December 2, 2019

White Chipotle Chicken Chili

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp. chipotle chili powder or chili seasoning
  • 4 tsp. ground cumin
  • pinch salt
  • 3 (19 oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Makes 8 Servings (1 1/2 cups per serving)
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 4-5 minutes. 
  2. Push the onions to one side of the pan, add the chicken, and sprinkle with the chipotle chile powder, cumin, and salt to taste. Cook, stirring, until most of the chicken is cooked through, about 8 minutes. 
  3. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the remaining beans and remaining 1 cup broth. Process to a smooth puree. 
  4. Stir the bean puree and half-and-half into the soup. Divide the soup among 4 bowls and serve hot sprinkled with chees and cilantro. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Chili is such a wonderful comfort food and this chili is a nice comforting chili. This is a different kind of chili because it uses chicken and white beans instead of the traditional beef and red beans. This chili can be frozen after its made and be enjoyed again when it is defrosted. 

Monday, June 17, 2019

Tomatillo Enchilladas with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 2 lb. tomatillos. husks removed, fruits rinsed and coarsely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • 3/4 lb. cooked grilled chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
  • 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded fat-free pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
Makes 6 Servings (2 enchiladas per serving)
  1.  Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray large skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno and cook, stirring, until vegetables soften, 2-3 minutes. Stir in cumin and salt. Add tomatillos and water. Bring to boil; lower heat and simmer, uncovered, 7-8 minutes. 
  2. Meanwhile, stir together chicken, corn, and 1 cup Jack cheese in large bowl. 
  3. Remove tomatillo sauce from heat and stir in cilantro. In two batches, transfer sauce to blender and puree, starting on low speed and holding blender lid down with folded kitchen towel. Stir 1 cup of sauce into chicken mixture; return remaining sauce to skillet. 
  4. Spread 1 cup tomatillo sauce in bottom of 9 X 13-inch baking dish. Dip 1 tortilla at a time in remaining sauce, place on cutting board, and fill with 1/3 cup chicken mixture. Roll up and place seam side down in dish. Repeat with  remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. Spoon remaining sauce over enchiladas; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with foil and bake until heated through, 12-15 minutes. Remove foil, turn on broiler and broil enchiladas until cheese is browned, about 1 minute. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. These treats are certainly a taste of Mexico. These enchiladas are both filling and flavorful. If you don't have corn on hand, substitute, sliced bell peppers and the enchiladas will be just as delicious. I highly recommend adding a tablespoon of fat-free sour cream to give these enchiladas a kick of zing. Even though 2 enchiladas make a serving, 1 enchilada will be filling enough. 

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Argentinian Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Salsa

Ingredients:
  • 2 lb. flank steak
  • 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp. granulated brown sugar
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 recipe Chimichurri Salsa
  1. Season meat with salt and pepper; let sit for 10 minutes. Score both sides of steak in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts at 1-inch intervals; set aside.
  2.  Combine vinegar, garlic, oregano, black pepper, paprika, and brown sugar. Rub with marinade and let sit for 1 hour to overnight in the refrigerator. 
  3. Remove the steak from the marinade (discard the marinade). 
  4. For a charcoal grill, place meat on the rack of and uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place meat on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.
  5. Transfer grilled meat to a cutting board. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. To serve, slice very thinly across the grain. Serve with chimichurri salsa.
Chimichurri Salsa:
  • 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1 tbsp. fresh oregano leaves
  • 2 tbsp. shallots, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 3/4 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • salt 
  • freshly ground black pepper
  1. Finely chop parsley, cilantro, and oregano leaves. Place in a bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix well.
  2. Let sit for at least 2 hours before serving.
WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This dish is better than what you would order in a steak house or at a nice restaurant. This dish is said to represent the taste of wine country. Chimichurri salsa is an uncooked sauce that hails from Argentina. This sauce is used in cooking and is made of chopped parsley, oregano, minced garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Chimichurri may be brushed, basted, or spooned onto meat as it cooks, or onto the cooked surface of meat as it rests. The steak is absolutely delicious and the chimichurri salsa is delicious. The salsa goes great with potatoes and grilled vegetables as well. If you a re looking for a wine to pair with this dish, a red wine such as syrah, merlot or cabernet from Pursued by Bear Wine. 

Monday, January 21, 2019

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Ingredients:
  • 4 (5 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups plain nonfat yogurt
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric
Makes 4 Servings 
  1. Place the chicken in a shallow glass bowl or pie plate. Using a sharp knife, cut 3 shallow slashes into each breast. Sprinkle the breasts lightly with salt, then drizzle with the lemon juice.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, cumin, garam masala, paprika, and turmeric. Spoon over the chicken and turn the breasts to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or up to 12 hours. 
  3. Heat a grill to medium-high or heat the broiler. Remove the chicken from the dish, but do not wipe off. Grill or broil the chicken about 5 minutes per side, until cooked through but still juicy. (Broiling may take a little longer.) Serve warm or at room temperature.
WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook.  Who does no love grilled chicken? This grilled chicken is packed with spicy flavor. Tandoori is a traditional Indian dish that is yogurt and spice marinated and cooked in a superhot tandoor oven. This chicken can be broiled or grilled and the dish will still be succulent, flavorful and juicy. The longer the chicken is marinated, the deeper the flavor will be. 

Indian-Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 lbs. (about 4 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
Makes 4 (3/4 cup) Servings
  1. In a steamer, cook the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes, until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.
  2. Transfer to a large bowl and add the garam masala, salt, cumin, and ginger. Mash with a potato masher (or use and immersion blender) to combine. Add the oil and lime juice and mash again. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This is a new and spicy take on traditional mashed potatoes. This recipe uses sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes and it's just as delicious as traditional mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes contain nutrients such as beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin C, and potassium so they are much more nutritious than traditional mashed potatoes. These mashed potatoes are filled with flavor an spice and are a perfect side dish for any Indian main dish. 

Friday, November 23, 2018

South Beach Diet Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:
  • 1 (15 1/2-oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup no-sugar-added prepared salsa
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. margarine 
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced
Makes 4 Servings
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the beans and 1/2 cup of the salsa. Warm over very low heat while you cook the eggs.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, cumin, and pepper. In a medium skillet, heat the oil and margarine over medium heat. Add the mixture and cook, without stirring, for 1 minute. Lift the edges and let the uncooked egg run underneath. Cook, stirring, until the eggs are set but still moist, 2-3 minutes longer. 
  3. For each serving, place one-fourth of the beans (scant 1/2 cup) and one-fourth of the eggs in a shallow soup bowl. Top each portion with 2 tablespoons of the remaining salsa and one-fourth of the avocado. 
WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Breakfast bowls have become common at fast food chains but you can have your breakfast bowl without all the disgusting fatty foods in the bowl. Instead of potatoes and sausages, this breakfast bowl uses salsa, pinto beans and avocado and it's just as filling and tasty as what you would order at a fast food joint. Plus, this bowl uses both whole eggs and egg whites. This dish is quick, easy flavorful and delicious and will quickly become a favorite at your kitchen table. 

Monday, November 12, 2018

Layered Chicken Taco Salad

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp. canola oil
  • 1 lb. ground chicken  breast 
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp. ground dark chili powder
  • 1 (8 oz.) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup fat-free refried beans
  • 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
  • 12 reduced-fat tortilla chips
Makes 6 Servings (3/4 cup salad with 2 tortilla chips per serving)
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, garlic, onions, cumin and chili powder. Cook, breaking up the chicken with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the flavors are blended and the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat; stir in the cheese and cilantro.
  2. Spread the beans in the bottom of a 7 X 11-inch baking dish; top with a layer of the lettuce, hen with the chicken mixture, salsa, and finally a layer of sour cream. Tuck the chips around the dish. Serve at once.
WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This is a wonderful dish to enjoy during the game day, movie night or any night of the week. It's quick, easy and flavorful. If you don't have ground chicken available, ground turkey works just as well. If you don't have salsa verde on hand, use homemade guacamole or homemade tomato salsa and the dish will be just as tasty. 

Monday, July 16, 2018

Key West-Style Roasted Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
  • 3 tbsp. key lime juice
  • 2 tbsp. taco sauce
  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 cups sliced deli roast chicken breast
  • 1 bunch arugula, torn
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Makes 4 Servings (1 1/2 cups per serving)

Whisk together lime juice, taco sauce, oil, and salt in a serving bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to coat evenly.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. This salad makes a flavorful and filling meal on a hot summer day. If you don't have deli roast chicken on hand, grill a chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper, slice it and toss it in with the salad. Homemade taco sauce can be made up of ground chili powder, and cumin, garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper and some pureed tomatoes and the sauce will be delicious. If you don't have arugula on hand, use kale or spinach and the salad will be just as flavorful and healthy. 

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Bell Pepper

Ingredients:
  • 1 large red bell pepper, quartered
  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 4 (1/4 lb.) thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 (7-inch) whole wheat pocketless pita breads, warmed
  • 1 large Kirby cucumber, halved lengthwise, sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
Makes 4 Servings (1 filled pita per serving)
  1. Spray nonstick ridged grill pan with canola spray; set over medium heat. Place bell pepper in pan and grill, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, about 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk together oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne in a large bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat. Transfer chicken to pan and grill, turning once, until chicken is browned and cooked through, 5-6 minutes.
  3. Transfer bell pepper and chicken to cutting board and cut into strips. Top pitas evenly with chicken, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and yogurt. Roll up pitas and serve immediately.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. A gyro a staple of Greek cuisine that is traditionally made of pork, chicken, or lamb and served in a wrapped pita with onion, tomato, tzatziki sauce and sometimes French fries. These gyros are healthier and more filling and flavorful (in my opinion) because the chicken and vegetables are grilled. This gyro also has a little crunch to it thanks to the cucumber and onion. This treat is flavorful and filling and make a great lunch or dinner any day or night of the week.