Vegetarian

Lime-Spiked Black Bean Dip

It’s Cinco de Mayo so what are you planning on eating today?  Burritos?  Enchiladas?  Fajitas?  Tacos?  Mexican food is so good but can be really terrible for you, especially because so much of the Americanized Mexican food available to us is loaded with ooey gooey melted cheese.  But the good thing is, Mexican food can easily be made low-fat at home by substituting low-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream, healthy beans and lots of veggies.  As tempted as I was to make a big Mexican meal, I decided to keep things a little simple with an easy bold and healthy dip.  This Lime-Spiked Black Bean Dip is a healthy way to enjoy some Mexican food on this Cinco de Mayo without a)breaking the bank or b)spending hours on the elliptical machine working it off.

Canned black beans are whirled in a food processor until smooth (but not too smooth – chunks of beans make for awesome texture) and combined with grated carrots, fresh lime juice, scallions, garlic, and cilantro.  A little salt and cayenne pepper add seasoning to beans which can typically be pretty bland (I used low-sodium black beans so I could control the salt content).  I really love the addition of the grated carrot because it provides a fat-free crunch while the scallion gives a fantastic mild onion flavor.  And the lime – it really brings this dip to life.  This is a thick dip, especially if it’s been in the refrigerator for a bit so add a little water or black bean juice if you ‘d prefer it to be more “dippy”.  If you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out but it provides an herby flavor that is so good in Mexican food.  Serve with tortilla chips and you’ve got a healthy vegetarian snack or appetizer than would also be great folded into a tortilla for a light lunch.

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Place beans in a food processor, and pulse until almost smooth.

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Combine the beans, carrot, and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring until well blended. Let stand 30 minutes.

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Serve with baked tortilla chips.

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Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Cooking Light magazine

 

Broccoli with Walnut Romesco Sauce

This week has been brutal for me.  Normally, I would be in Vegas right now for March Madness with my girl friends playing blackjack and betting on NCAA basketball but instead I’m home nursing a stupid cold and having a rough week at work.  After going to Vegas for 10+ years every March, this year we passed on the trip in order to go to our friend’s stepson’s wedding in Mississippi next weekend.  And although we will have a great time down south, it’s killing me not to be in Vegas.  Instead of drinking too much, not eating enough and winning and losing, I’ve been staying away from alcohol and eating healthy.  One tasty dish I’ve made is Broccoli with Walnut Romesco Sauce.

Steamed broccoli is served with a quick puree of garlic, olive oil, roasted red peppers, walnuts, water, and tomato paste.  Smoked paprika, ancho chile powder, and sherry vinegar add additional layers of flavor that pack a punch and keep this sauce interesting.  I only used a fraction of the olive oil called for to keep calories down and was happy that this sauce wasn’t too oily.  In fact, this sauce reminds me of my favorite dip I have ever made (and now my go-to dip), Roasted Red Pepper Dip.  This sauce is versatile too.  Add a dollup to some chicken, on your burger, or mixed in with your favorite tomato sauce for a flavorful pasta dish.  I’m happy to tell you about this sauce because it’s so good but I wish I wasn’t able to because I was too busy gambling right now.  I’m looking forward to Mississippi but it looks like I’ll also need a trip to Atlantic City soon.

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Saute garlic cloves in olive oil over medium heat, 3 minutes.

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Puree with jarred roasted red peppers (drained),  walnuts, water, tomato paste, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, salt and ancho chile powder.

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Serve with steamed broccoli.

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Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions: None

Overall Rating: Love It

Source: Food Network magazine

Mardi Gras Slaw

It’s Mardi Gras! Unfortunately, I’m not in New Orleans and instead grumpy about the latest snowfall, which I hope and pray is the last time I mention snow until next winter. I mean, it’s MARCH after all.  Anyway, I’ve never been to Mardi Gras but I have been to New Orleans so I can only imagine what kind of shenanigans are going on on this Fat Tuesday.  I figured this recipe for Mardi Gras Slaw was the most appropriate thing I could make.

Both green and red cabbage are mixed with a mayonnaise-based sauce kicked up with cayenne pepper and mustard seeds.  Shredded carrot and scallions added more layers of flavor making this a light and fresh side dish.  My first bite of this really reminded me of the kinds of summertime slaws I had at cookouts when I was growing up in Illinois and I tell you, it made me smile.  I’ve grown to appreciate cabbage much more in my adulthood so this colorful slaw was a really great find.  Something about it just screams summer to me which I really need at this point considering it was only 5 degrees outside when I woke up this morning.

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Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard seeds, salt and cayenne pepper in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

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Add remaining ingredients, and toss to coat.

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For best results, let slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

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Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

  • Light mayonnaise

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Cooking Light magazine

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