Could it look more healthy?!

QUINOA CORN EDAMAME SALAD

It is no secret that I love quinoa and eat it every chance I get!  This salad is a re-make and a new favorite of mine – very light, summery, and fresh.  The original had barley, but quinoa is so…NOW!  I also cut the amount of corn in half, and added the edamame, some chili powder, and lime.  It’s a completely different salad than what I started with and, frankly, I’m thrilled!

These are fabulously complex carbs that give staying power to fuel you up.  And the added protein from the quinoa and the edamame keeps you full longer.   (You could add some diced chicken to this, if you felt so inclined.)

It may seem like you won’t have enough dressing, but it’s just right.

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2 cups frozen, shelled, edamame

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup cooked, cooled quinoa (leftover is great)

1 green onion, sliced (just green parts)

1/2 red sweet bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dash cayenne

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Briefly boil the edamame and the corn, just until tender.  Drain very well and cool completely.

In a large bowl combine the edamame, corn, quinoa, green onion, red pepper, and cilantro.  In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, salt, chili powder, black pepper, thyme and cayenne until emulsified.  Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat.  Cover and chill for at least two hours.  Makes approx 8 (1/2 cup) servings.

Per Serving: Calories 133; Protein 7 g; Fat 6 g; Carbs 14 g; Fiber 3 g; Sugar 1 g; Sodium 82 mg

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Flaky fish…Creamy broth…Confetti veggies – them’s good eats!

ROASTED RED PEPPER AND FISH CHOWDER

This soup sounds fussy, but is really pretty easy and is protein-packed with moist, flaky white fish. Prepare a crisp Caesar salad that you can eat, too, and a pan of hot whole wheat rolls for the family.

You can leave out the corn, but it gives a nutty sweetness  - and it’s gorgeous! If you decide to though, add one more cup of peppers…maybe orange, or yellow for contrast.

 

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1 1/2 cup diced red peppers (1 large)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
Two 14.5 ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon tarragon
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Dash freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fat-free half & half or evaporated milk
3/4 -1 pound halibut, tilapia or other firm white fish, cut into bite-sized pieces

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and place diced red peppers on foil. Drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon of the olive oil and toss to coat. Roast for 10 minutes. Stir and add corn. Roast for 10 minutes more. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a large saucepan add the remaining olive oil and cook onions and garlic over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until just starting to turn golden. Add peppers and corn mixture. Add flour and stir in until well combined. Add chicken broth, salt, black pepper, tarragon, lemon pepper, parsley, oregano, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and half & half. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add fish and simmer for 5 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Makes 4  servings – about 1 1/4 cups each.

Per Serving: 249 Cal; 25 g Protein; 8 g Tot Fat; 16 g Carb; 2 g Fiber; 4 g Sugar; 330 mg Sodium

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Do I love quiche, or what? (That would be a yes.)

BLACK BEAN AND CORN QUICHE BAKE

This one is a little different, but give it a shot – you might be surprised!

Leaving off the crust saves a lot of calories and  then (joy-joy!) you can have a dessert with your late movie!

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5 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning
One 4-ounce can diced green chiles
One 16-ounce container cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded jack or pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup frozen corn
One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a deep dish pie plate or casserole with vegetable cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and taco seasoning. Blend in green chiles, cottage cheese, jack cheese, corn, and beans. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45-55  minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 10 servings.

Per Serving:  Calories 195, Protein 16g, Fat 9g, NET Carbs 8g, Sugar 1g, Sodium 227mg

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