Tag: dinner

  • A day of nourishment

    A day of nourishment

    A day of nourishment

    Your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, solved

    Medical advice around the topic of detox suggests we avoid diets or restrictive time-limited measures in favor of drinking plenty of water, avoiding overconsumption of sugary foods, and choosing foods every day that are high in fiber and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

    These are the same nutritious, whole foods we should enjoy all the time. And there’s no reason why those foods can’t also be delicious! Here are a few ideas for incorporating nourishing foods that your body needs to function at its best, which we hope will inspire you.

    Breakfast: Sweet Potato and Spinach Egg Bites

    Egg bites are a delicious and convenient way to get some protein in the mornings. These ones get an extra nutrition boost with antioxidant-rich sweet potato and spinach.
    Servings: 3

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
    • Scant olive oil for greasing muffin tin
    • 4 eggs
    • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup grated sweet potato
    • ¼ cup baby spinach finely chopped
    • 1 spring onion sliced

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. In small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and paprika and set aside.
    3. Grease 6 cups of muffin tin.
    4. In large bowl, beat eggs and yogurt together with half of spice mixture. The yogurt will be a bit lumpy at first; using a balloon whisk will help smooth it out.
    5. Combine remaining spice mixture with grated sweet potato and divide among 6 greased muffin cups. Top grated sweet potato with small amount of chopped spinach and spring onion. Pour egg mixture into muffin cups overtop these ingredients.
    6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 130 calories; 10 g protein; 8 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 5 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 291 mg sodium

    Lunch: Kale, Spelt, Apple, and Beet Salad

    Whole grains such as spelt and other high-fiber foods such as kale, beets, and apples help promote a healthy gut and ease digestion. This salad has a bright, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of apple and a tangy lemon juice dressing.
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups washed and finely sliced kale
    • Pinch of salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup cooked spelt
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
    • ½ teaspoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 Pink Lady apple
    • 3 medium-sized beets trimmed, roasted, and cooled
    • ¼ cup sliced almonds

    Method
     

    1. In large mixing bowl, combine kale, salt, and olive oil. Massage kale for a few minutes; add spelt along with lemon zest, stir to incorporate, and then allow to stand while you prepare other ingredients.
    2. In small jar, combine mustard and honey to make a paste. Add lemon juice a few drops at a time to loosen the paste, gradually incorporating all of the lemon juice.
    3. Core and finely slice apple into matchsticks and add to bowl with kale and spelt. Pour lemon juice dressing overtop and stir well.
    4. Arrange salad on serving plate. Slice beets into eighths and arrange overtop. Sprinkle with almonds and serve.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 412 calories; 14 g protein; 14 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 63 g total carbohydrates (22 g sugars, 11 g fiber); 243 mg sodium

    Dinner: One-Pan Chicken with Artichokes, Spinach, Lemon, and Thyme

    This chicken dinner comes together in a snap and is filled with iron-rich spinach and an extra hit of fiber from antioxidant-rich artichokes.
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 chicken breasts skinless, boneless, about 13 oz in total
    • Pinch of salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
    • ½ cup finely diced onion
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
    • 1 14-oz can artichoke hearts rinsed, drained, and sliced in half
    • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
    • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves removed from stem

    Method
     

    1. In large skillet on medium, heat olive oil to medium high. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Place in skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until outside is nicely browned and lifts easily from pan. Remove chicken from pan, reduce heat to low, and add thyme sprigs and onion. Stir frequently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until onions are soft and translucent. Increase heat to medium and deglaze pan by adding lemon juice and scraping up brown bits from pan surface with wooden spoon. Add chicken broth and continue until bottom of pan is “clean.”
    2. Add chicken back into skillet. Add artichoke heart pieces evenly in pan, and top chicken with spinach. Cover and let stand 2 minutes, or until spinach has wilted. Remove lid and stir spinach to incorporate evenly through the mixture. Cook, uncovered, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until sauce is reduced slightly. Add yogurt and whisk it into sauce until smooth. Using tongs, lift chicken breasts and place them on top of the spinach and other ingredients. Remove from heat and garnish with lemon zest and fresh thyme leaves.
    3. To serve, place a chicken breast on each of 2 plates and top with spinach, artichokes, and sauce.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 280 calories; 33 g protein; 11 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 15 g total carbohydrates (3 g sugars, 8 g fiber); 245 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Vegan Lasagna Rolls

    Vegan Lasagna Rolls

    Vegan Lasagna Rolls

    Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 lasagna noodles
    • 1 large zucchini
    • 16 ounces plant-based ricotta cheese such as Kite Hill
    • 2 large garlic cloves minced
    • ½ ounce fresh basil chopped
    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • 1 25-oz jar marinara sauce such as Cadia
    • 1 ¼ cups pourable mozzarella such as Miyoko's Creamery

    Method
     

    1. Cook lasagna noodles based on the package instructions. Place noodles in a bowl of cool water until ready to use. This will prevent noodles from sticking together.
    2. Meanwhile, slice zucchini using a mandolin into long, 1/8" strips. Try to have at least 10 slices. Alternately, slice zucchini into thin rounds.
    3. Stir together plant-based ricotta, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
    4. To assemble, spread ricotta mixture onto each lasagna noodle, top with a slice of zucchini and roll up.
    5. Set aside 1 cup marinara sauce. Spread the remaining sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, and place lasagna rolls on top. Pour reserved marina sauce on top.
    6. Cover and bake for 30 minutes then pour on mozzarella.Continue to bake uncovered, until sauce is bubbling and cheese has set, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Roasted Chicken Legs with Grapes

    Roasted Chicken Legs with Grapes

    Roasted Chicken Legs with Grapes

    Marinate 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 chicken legs approximately 3-4 pounds
    • ½ cup teriyaki marinade
    • ½ pound shallots sliced
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1 ¼ pounds red grapes cut into clusters

    Method
     

    1. Marinate chicken legs in teriyaki sauce for a minimum of 1 hour, turning occasionally.
    2. After chicken has marinated, discard excess marinade. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    3. Place sliced shallots evenly on a baking sheet. Remove chicken from marinade and place on top of shallots, season with ground black pepper.
    4. Take the butter and spread it under the skin of the chicken evenly.
    5. Cook chicken for 25 minutes. Add grape clusters and continue to cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 20-25 more minutes. Allow chicken to rest for five minutes before serving.

    Notes

    Excellent paired with sautéed spinach or a green salad.
  • Maple Roasted Winter Squash

    Maple Roasted Winter Squash

    Maple Roasted Winter Squash

    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 3

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 pounds winter squash (such as kabocha or butternut) seeded and cut into 1" pieces
    • 1 medium red onion chopped
    • ½ cup walnut halves
    • cup avocado oil
    • cup maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
    • ½ cup crumbled feta

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place winter squash, red onion, and walnut halves in a large mixing bowl.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour mixture over squash and toss until well coated.
    3. Spread squash out on two parchment-lined baking pans in a single layer. Bake for 40 minutes or until squash is tender.
    4. Place squash in a serving vessel and sprinkle on crumbled feta.
  • Hawaiian Burgers

    Hawaiian Burgers

    Hawaiian Burgers

    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 8

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 beef or alternative-protein patties
    • 1 cup huli huli BBQ sauce divided
    • 1 can pineapple slices drained
    • 16 slices pepperjack cheese
    • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
    • 8 sesame seed burger buns
    Huli Huli Sauce (Hawaiian BBQ Sauce)
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • cup pineapple juice
    • ¼ cup tamari or shoyu soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
    • 2 tablespoons sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 2 large garlic cloves finely minced
    • 1 tablespoon peeled and minced ginger
    • 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch and water for thickening if needed (optional)

    Method
     

    1. Preheat the grill to 450°F or medium heat. Season beef patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside a ½ cup of bbq sauce for serving. Grill burgers for 4 minutes per side, basting with remaining sauce as they cook. Burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Any sauce left after basting burgers should be discarded.
    2. Meanwhile, place pineapple slices on grill and cook until lightly caramelized, approximately 2 minutes per side.
    3. Place two slices of pepper jack cheese per burger patty and cook for another minute or until cheese has melted.
    4. Place burgers on buns with a pineapple slice and red onion. Serve with reserved bbq sauce.
    Huli Huli Sauce (Hawaiian BBQ Sauce)
    1. Place all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
    2. Once cooled, if the sauce is too thin, whisk together equal parts water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the mixture to the barbecue sauce and rewarm to activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch.
  • Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 rotisserie chicken pulled
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil desired
    • 1 red bell pepper julienned
    • 1 green bell pepper julienned
    • 1 small onion julienned
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 16 oz shredded Mexican cheese blend
    • 18 taco sized corn tortillas
    • 2 15-oz cans red enchilada sauce
    • 1 15-oz can black or pinto beans rinsed and drained

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss pulled chicken with chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl.
    2. In a large skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, and red pepper flakes with remaining olive oil over high heat until tender crisp and starting to char. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
    3. To assemble, place a quarter of the sauce on the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish. Layer ingredients as follows: 6 tortillas, half of the chicken, beans, and cooked pepper and onions. Pour on a quarter of the sauce followed by a third of the cheese and repeat one more time. Top with the remaining tortillas, sauce, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
    4. Cover assembled enchilada with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until bubbling and cheese is starting to brown.

    Notes

    Serve with sour cream if desired.
  • Buffalo-Ranch Smothered Avocados

    Buffalo-Ranch Smothered Avocados

    Buffalo-Ranch Smothered Avocados

    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 1

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 ripe avocados
    • 4 bibb whole lettuce leaves
    • 4 slices turkey meat
    • ½ cup buffalo sauce
    • ½ cup ranch dressing
    • ½ cup fried onions
    • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

    Method
     

    1. Cut avocados in half and twist open. Remove pits and skin. Cut avocado halves into three wedges and set aside.
    2. On four plates, divide the sliced avocado, lettuce, and turkey.
    3. Drizzle buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over avocados and top with onions and crumbled feta.Serve promptly.

  • Beef Gnocchi

    Beef Gnocchi

    Beef Gnocchi

    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small white onion minced
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 3 large garlic cloves minced
    • 2 teaspoons dried basil
    • 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
    • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
    • 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies
    • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
    • 1 pound premade gnocchi
    • ½ – ¾ cup cream
    • ½ cup grated parmesan for serving

    Method
     

    1. In a large skillet, sauté onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until transparent, approximately 3 minutes.
    2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, prepare gnocchi based on the package instructions.
    4. Add cream to sauce and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until desired thickness is achieved.
    5. Stir in cooked gnocchi and serve with parmesan.
  • Fuss-free Thanksgiving dinner

    Fuss-free Thanksgiving dinner

    Fuss-free Thanksgiving dinner

    Less shopping, more savoring

    The solution for a simple, delicious Thanksgiving can often be found in what we already have. Look to the ingredients you have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer for all the inspiration you need to put together these recipes that will help you embrace a fuss-free Thanksgiving—all while keeping things nutritious and flavorful.

    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Pistachios and Pomegranate

    What would Thanksgiving be without sweet potatoes? These are done Hasselback style, avoiding tedious peeling and last-minute mashing.
    Servings: 12

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 sweet potatoes about 8 oz each
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon divided
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup pistachios
    • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
    2. To cut each sweet potato Hasselback style, place a chopstick on either side of potato, parallel to the length of the potato, as a guide to prevent cutting all the way through. Make thin slices about 1/8 inch thick along the sweet potato, stopping as the knife reaches the chopsticks.
    3. Then cut each in half through a center slice so you have 2 pieces for each potato, for a total of 12 portions.
    4. In small bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, cayenne, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and pepper. Brush mixture over each sweet potato, carefully brushing between slices, taking care not to break them. Arrange potatoes on baking tray or casserole dish and sprinkle with salt. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
    5. Combine yogurt with remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon and set aside. Put pistachios in food processor to break them up into pea-sized crumbs.
    6. To serve, drizzle yogurt dressing over baked sweet potatoes and top with pistachios and pomegranate seeds.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 361 calories; 6 g protein; 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 79 g total carbohydrates (18 g sugars, 10 g fiber); 202 mg sodium

    Turkey Sausage Skillet with Mixed Vegetables and Spinach

    This is a simple and delicious way to enjoy turkey and all the fixings. Made with turkey sausage and frozen vegetables, this dish cooks up on the stovetop without any chopping but with plenty of flavor.
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 turkey sausages total weight about 10 oz
    • 10 oz bag of mixed frozen vegetables
    • ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
    • 2 tablespoons dried sage
    • ½ teaspoon white pepper
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 9 oz frozen chopped spinach

    Method
     

    1. Remove and discard sausage casings. With kitchen scissors, snip sausage into pieces approximately 1 inch thick.
    2. Heat large cast iron or nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown on all sides. Add mixed vegetables and chicken stock and stir to combine. Lower heat, cover, and cook on medium heat for about 1 minute. Season with spices, add spinach, replace cover, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more, until spinach is warmed through.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 122 calories; 11 g protein; 5 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 10 g total carbohydrates (3 g sugars, 3 g fiber); 363 mg sodium

    Cranberry Almond Pilaf-Style Barley

    This satisfying dish has all the flavor of your favorite stuffing with an added punch of nutrition from nutrient-dense barley.
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
    • 1 shallot finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup uncooked pot barley well rinsed and drained
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • cup slivered almonds
    • cup dried cranberries

    Method
     

    1. In medium-sized saucepan (with lid) on medium heat, saute shallots and garlic in olive oil, until soft, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add barley and thyme, and stir well, toasting barley mixture slightly in pan. Add 2 cups water, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 40 to 50 minutes, until barley is tender but retains a slight bite. Turn off heat and add almonds and cranberries to saucepan. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and stir thoroughly before enjoying warm.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 132 calories; 4 g protein; 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 20 g total carbohydrates (1 g sugars, 5 g fiber); 153 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 1/2 tbsp tamari
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds
    • 1/2 lb tofu cubed
    • 8 ounces 100% buckwheat soba noodles
    • 2 scallions thinly sliced
    • 1/4 bunch cilantro chopped
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp sriracha
    • 2 tsp cane sugar
    • 1 large garlic clove finely minced

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together olive oil, tamari, and sesame seeds and toss with tofu. Place tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until tofu is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
    2. Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of lightly salted water to a boil and add noodles. Gently simmer for 4-6 minutes, then drain and rinse.
    3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until emulsified. Add noodles, tofu, scallions, and cilantro. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

    Notes

    Buckwheat is gluten free; some soba noodles are made with wheat flour and buckwheat flour. To make sure this recipe is gluten free, go for 100% buckwheat. If customers don’t need to avoid gluten, then regular soba noodles will work just the same.