Chicken Banh Mi Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp. pickled sliced jalapeno peppers, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tsp. rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1 lb. ground skinless chicken breast
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. Sriracha or other chili sauce
• 1 (12 oz.) whole wheat baguette

Makes 4 Servings (1 sandwich per serving)

1.  Combine carrots, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. 
2. Stir together chicken, scallions, soy sauce, and garlic in medium bowl, mixing just until combined. With damp hands, shape mixture into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) patties. 
3. Spray large skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until browned and instant-read thermometer inserted in side of patties registers 165 F, 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Stir together mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl. Split baguette without completely cutting through. Remove small amount of soft center from baguette and discard, or save for bread crumbs. Cut into 4 equal pieces. Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise mixture on cut-side of pieces. Stuff each with 2 patties and top with 1/4 cup carrot mixture. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 10 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Bahn Mi is one of the signature cuisines of Vietnam. Bahn Mi is a type of baguette which is often split lengthwise and filled with various savory ingredients as a sandwich and is usually served as a meal. This sandwich is different because of the spicy flavors and filling condiments. The Bahn Mi is quite filling and delicious and will become a favorite in your house. I think this sandwich is better than what you would order at a fast food joint and you  can make it and eat it in 30 minutes or less. 

Spicy Steak Pizzaiola

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 (15-oz.) can Italian peeled tomatoes
• 1 tsp. dried  oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 (1-lb.) lean boneless sirloin steak, trimmed
• 1/2 small (8-oz.) whole wheat baguette

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, 3 cloves of garlic, and pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon oregano and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking up tomatoes, until sauce thickens slightly, about 8 minutes. Stir in parsley.
2. Spray broiler rack with nonstick spray; preheat broiler. Sprinkle steak with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. place steak on pan and broil, turning once, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of steak registers 145 F for medium, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to cutting board; let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Split baguette lengthwise, then cut each piece into half again, making 4 equal pieces. Mix remaining 1 teaspoon oil, remaining garlic clove, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano in a small bowl. Brush mixture on cut sides of bread. Place bread, cut-side up, on broiler rack and broil until lightly browned. Cut steak into 12 slices. Serve with sauce and bread.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. (3 slices steak, 1/2 cup sauce & 1 piece garlic bread per serving)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. I made this dinner this past weekend and it was SOO good. This is what you would normally see on the menu at an Italian restaurant and you can easily make this meal at home. The combination of steak and tomatoes with Italian flare is absolutely divine. I think this dinner tastes better and cheaper than what you would get at the restaurant. I also highly recommend serving a vegetable side alongside this dinner for a more colorful and filling meal. Also, don't forget the wine. What good is an upscale steak dinner without wine?