Authors: Carrie S. Forbes
Instead of the traditional mint jelly, use this mint chimichurri sauce to make a lamb recipe extra-special.
INGREDIENTS | MAKES 2 CUPS
2 cups fresh parsley
2 cups fresh cilantro
1 cup fresh mint
3
⁄
4
cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large shallot, quartered
1 teaspoon salt
1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Per Serving (2 tablespoons): Calories: 98 | Fat: 10 g | Protein: 0 g | Sodium: 98 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Sugar: 1 g | GI: Very low
Keep edamame, or soybeans, in the freezer so you can whip up this tasty dip for unexpected guests.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 6
2 cups edamame
1 cup low-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1
⁄
4
cup lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 jalapeño, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 shallots, diced
1
⁄
4
teaspoon salt
1
⁄
4
teaspoon ground black pepper
Edamame, or soybeans, are rich in iron, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and many other nutrients. Buy edamame that has already been removed from the shell to save time during preparation. You can often find shelled edamame in the freezer section at the supermarket.
Per Serving: Calories: 135 | Fat: 9 g | Protein: 6 g | Protein: 10 g | Sodium: 143 mg | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Sugar: 2 g | GI: Very low
If you make hollandaise sauce in the blender or food processor, your sauce will not curdle.
Ingredients | Makes
3
⁄
4
cup
4 ounces sweet unsalted butter
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
1
⁄
4
teaspoon dry mustard
Juice of
1
⁄
2
lemon
1
⁄
8
teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
If you substitute white wine vinegar for lemon juice and add chives in this recipe, you will have béarnaise sauce, a classic for steaks. If you substitute orange juice (preferably from a blood orange) for lemon juice, you’ll have Sauce Maltaise, which is delicious with vegetables.
Per Serving (1 ounce): Calories: 161 | Fat: 17 g | Protein: 2 g | Sodium: 60 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Sugar: 0 g | GI: Zero
This is a versatile sauce—use it on any meat or poultry.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2
3 large fresh tomatoes
1 quart boiling water
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water, drain them, slip off the skins, and chop the tomatoes. In a small bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes with the rest of the ingredients. Serve warm.
Per Serving: Calories: 44 | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 2 g | Sodium: 123 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Sugar: 1 g | GI: Very low
This salsa is sure to be a winner at any party. Serve with gluten-free baked pita chips for a great appetizer.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2
1
⁄
2
cup chopped fresh cilantro
1
1
⁄
2
cups chopped tomatoes
1
⁄
4
cup sun-dried tomatoes
1
⁄
2
cup olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1
1
⁄
2
teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse quickly to blend. Be careful not to overdo it or you’ll completely liquefy this salsa. It should have a slightly chunky texture.
Per Serving: Calories: 132 | Fat: 14 g | Protein: 1 g | Sodium: 4 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Carbohydrate: 3 g | Sugar: 2 g | GI: Very low
This salsa is excellent with shrimp, crab legs, or fruit. Avoid using frozen mango since it tends to be mushy when thawed.
INGREDIENTS | MAKES 1 CUP
1 mango, peeled and diced
1
⁄
4
cup minced sweet onion
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
2 jalapeños, cored, seeded, and minced
Juice of
1
⁄
2
lime
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro or parsley
Salt, to taste
Did you know mangoes are the most popular fruit in the world? They are grown in tropical climates and therefore are available year-round. In many countries, unripe and ripe mangoes are eaten. The unripe mango is often pickled, seasoned, or made into a sauce and served with a savory meal. Sweet, ripe mangos can be made into juice, smoothies, and fruit salads.
Pulse all ingredients in the food processor or blender. Turn the mixture into a bowl, chill, and serve.
Per Serving (1 ounce): Calories: 209 | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 2 g | Sodium: 108 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrates: 54 g | Sugar: 8 g | GI: Low
This dressing is great on beef, turkey, or chicken burgers.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 8
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard powder
2 tablespoons tahini paste
1
1
⁄
2
cups grapeseed oil
Per Serving: Calories: 402 | Fat: 44 g | Protein: 2 g | Sodium: 20 mg | Fiber: 0.5 g | Carbohydrate: 1 g | Sugar: 0 g | GI: Zero
Spinach and Gorgonzola Egg-White Omelet
Spinach, Egg, and Bacon Breakfast Salad
Ham and Cheese Slow-Cooker Omelet
Irish Oatmeal and Poached Fruit
Blueberry Antioxidant Smoothie
This frittata can be made for a quick and easy breakfast or a relaxed weekend brunch.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 1
3 eggs
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
1
⁄
2
cup chopped tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Eggs provide a very healthy, satisfying breakfast that will help you stay full and satiated until your next meal. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and they are a more frugal option. Frittatas are a GI friendly, lighter option for a delicious and easy egg dish.
Per Serving: Calories: 126 | Fat: 11 g | Protein: 15 g | Sodium: 2,300 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Sugar: 1 g | GI: Very low
If you would like to add more fiber to this easy gluten-free breakfast, simply add 1–2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds to the whisked eggs.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 1
1 tablespoon salted butter
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 slices gluten-free or grain-free bread
Per Serving: Calories: 453 | Fat: 19 g | Protein: 20 g | Sodium: 539 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Carbohydrates: 39 g | Sugar: 4 g | GI: Low
This is a very pretty dish that is not only a delicious breakfast but is also good for lunch or a late supper. Be careful not to use too much salt; most sausage has quite a lot of salt in it, so taste first.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
1 pound Italian sweet sausage
1
⁄
4
cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium red bell peppers, roasted and chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
8 eggs
3
⁄
4
cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to use one pound of turkey sausage, regular breakfast sausage, ground beef, or even crumbled bacon instead of the Italian sausage for this recipe.
Per Serving: Calories: 383 | Fat: 23 g | Protein: 35 g | Sodium: 89 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Sugar: 2 g | GI: Low
This omelet is perfect when you don’t want an overly filling breakfast. This recipe calls for egg whites only, which is helpful for people who don’t like egg yolks. However, if you prefer to use the whole egg, simply use 4 large whole eggs instead of 8 whites.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2
1 (10-ounce) box, frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained of liquid
8 egg whites, well beaten
1
⁄
8
teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1
⁄
2
cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
The fantastic thing about an omelet is that you can stuff it with all kinds of ingredients. Various veggies, fruits, and cheeses, alone or in combination, make exciting omelets. Try mixing Cheddar cheese sauce and broccoli or Brie and raspberries for your next omelet and enjoy the flavors!
Per Serving: Calories: 298 | Fat: 13 g | Protein: 32.5 g | Sodium: 604.5 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrates: 18.5 g | Sugar: 2 g | GI: Low
This omelet is a simple and healthy way to add an extra serving of vegetables to your day.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2
2 cups sliced white mushrooms
3 tablespoons 2% milk, divided
2 tablespoons sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1
⁄
4
teaspoon dried tarragon
4 eggs