Showing posts with label Phase 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phase 1. Show all posts

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Paprika Roast Chicken (Phase 1)

Paprika Roast Chicken (Phase 1)
 
Description
Thick onion slices add sumptuous flavor to this chicken dish, while also keeping it from sticking to the bottom of your roasting pan.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves 12
 
Ingredients
1 large onion, sliced into 1/2" thick rounds
1 (8-pound) roasting chicken
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions
Heat oven to 400°F. Place onion slices in a single layer in a roasting pan. Rinse chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the inside cavity with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.

Place chicken on top of the onion slices, tuck the wings under, and tie the legs together. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Slide your hand under skin of chicken breast to loosen skin. Rub chicken breast under the skin with 1 teaspoon of the oil and most of paprika mixture. Press skin back down. Rub outside of skin with 2 teaspoons of the remaining oil. Dust lightly with remaining paprika mixture.

Roast chicken for 30 minutes. Baste with remaining 1 teaspoon oil, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Continue to roast, basting every 30 minutes with accumulated pan juices, until a meat thermometer reads 180°F when placed into the thickest part of the thigh, about 1 1/2 hours. Allow chicken to rest for 15 minutes before serving hot with onions, if desired.

Nutritional information
Per 6-ounce serving:
230 calories
6 g fat (1.5 g sat)
0 g carbohydrate
40 g protein
0 g fiber
280 mg sodium

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Santa Fe Steak (Phase 1)

Santa Fe Steak (Phase 1)
 
Description
This delicious steak recipe features the heady flavors of the Southwest: cumin, garlic, and poblano peppers. If poblanos are not available, use a bell pepper (any color) and add a drop or two of hot sauce. If you have extra time, let the steak marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes for added flavor.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 4
 
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large poblano pepper, sliced into 1/4" strips
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup water
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 pounds flank steak
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pepper strips and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, about 8 minutes.
Add water, increase heat to high, and boil until liquid is almost evaporated and vegetables are tender, 4 minutes more. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and cover to keep warm.
Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Mix garlic, cumin, and remaining oil together to form a thin paste. Spread over steak and rub well into both sides of the meat.
Season steak with salt and pepper and grill 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from heat, allow steak to rest for 5 minutes, and then thinly slice across the grain. Serve with peppers and onions.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
310 calories
15 g fat (6 g sat)
6 g carbohydrate
37 g protein
2 g dietary fiber
170 mg sodium

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Pan Juice “Gravy” (Phase 1)

Pan Juice “Gravy” (Phase 1)
 
Description
This “jus”-style gravy, usually made with flour or cornstarch, is thickened naturally by reducing and concentrating the turkey juices. After the bird is carved and placed on a serving platter, add the juices from the cutting board to the gravy for extra richness.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves 8
 
Ingredients
Turkey juices from roasted turkey (about 2 cups)
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth

Instructions
After turkey has roasted, pour juices from the pan into a glass measuring cup or a fat separator; set aside. Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Add wine to the pan and, using a wooden spoon, scrape any browned bits of turkey from the bottom of the pan. Add broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, skim off any fat that has accumulated on top of the reserved pan juices (you should have about 2 cups of juices). Add the juices back to the roasting pan along with any additional juices that have accumulated on the carving board. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.

Nutritional information
Per 1/4-cup serving:
25 calories
1 g fat (0 g sat)
1 g carbohydrate
1 g protein
0 g fiber
105 mg sodium

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Roast Turkey With Fresh Herbs (Phase 1)

Roast Turkey With Fresh Herbs (Phase 1)
Description
If you’re following the South Beach Diet, be sure to choose the tasty and moist white meat, and don’t forget to remove the skin from your portion before serving.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 1/2 hours
Serves 8
 
Ingredients
1 12- to 14-pound turkey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small orange, apple, and/or onion, halved
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons dry white wine or lower-sodium chicken broth

Instructions
Position rack in the lower third of oven and heat oven to 450°F.

Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle inside of bird with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Insert orange, apple, and/or onion halves into cavity of bird. Tuck wings under and tie legs together with kitchen twine. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.

Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, parsley, and thyme in a small bowl. Slide your hand under skin of turkey breast to loosen skin. Rub turkey breast under skin with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Spread herb mixture over breast and press skin back down on top.

Transfer turkey to oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and baste with 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil and 1 tablespoon of the wine. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and roast for 30 minutes more; baste with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining 2 tablespoons wine.

Continue to roast, basting every 30 minutes with accumulated pan juices, until a meat thermometer reads 180°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, 1 1/2 to 2 hours more. Remove turkey from oven, cover loosely with foil, and allow bird to rest for 20 minutes before carving. Remove and discard orange halves, carve bird, and serve.

Nutritional information
Per 6-ounce serving:
250 calories
8 g fat (1.5 g sat)
0 g carbohydrate
38 g protein
0 g fiber
260 mg sodium

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Vegetarian Chili With Avocado Salsa (Phase 1)

Vegetarian Chili With Avocado Salsa (Phase 1)
Description
This flavor-packed chili features fiber and protein, rich black beans, and avocados, which contain healthy monounsaturated fat.
Serves 6
 
Ingredients
Avocado Salsa:

1 medium California avocado, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 large lime
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetarian Chili:
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3/4 can (14-19 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
3/4 can (14 ounces) vegetable broth
1 can (4 ounces) green chili peppers, chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
1 lime, quartered
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions
To make the avocado salsa:
In a large bowl, combine the avocado, tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and pepper. Lightly toss. Let stand for 30 minutes.

To make the avocado chili: Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, broth, chili peppers, chili powder, garlic, cumin, and oregano and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with the avocado salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges. Sprinkle with the cilantro.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
181 calories
17 g fat (1 g sat)
25 g carbohydrate
7 g protein
15 g dietary fiber
665 mg sodium
0 mg cholesterol

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Edamame Salad (Phase 1)

Edamame Salad (Phase 1)
Details:

This recipe is very satisfying, thanks to protein- and fiber-rich edamame. When paired with grilled salmon, this dish becomes an impressive meal that's very easy to make.

Tip: If you can't easily find edamame, you may substitute chickpeas.
Serves: 2

Ingredients:
8 ounces frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)
1 ounce seasoned rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
Dash freshly ground black pepper
1/2 bunch radishes (4 ounces), cut in half and thinly sliced
1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions:
Toss the edamame, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, radishes, and cilantro together in a large bowl. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information:
224 calories
12 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
18 g carbohydrate
15 g protein
6 g fiber
479 mg sodium

Shrimp Stir-Fry (Phase 1)

Shrimp Stir-Fry (Phase 1)

Details:
Fresh ginger and garlic, plus a vibrant mixture of vegetables and tender shrimp (packed with heart-healthy omega-3s), give this stir-fry big flavor and color.
Serves: 4 (2-cup)

Ingredients:
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds medium peeled and deveined fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
8 ounces white mushrooms, quartered
4 scallions, cut into 1" pieces
1 large bell pepper, any color, cut into thin strips
8 ounces snow peas, strings removed
1/4 teapsoon red pepper flakes

Directions:
Whisk together 2 teaspoons of the oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the soy sauce, and garlic in a large bowl; add shrimp and toss to coat.
Lightly coat a large skillet or wok with cooking spray and heat over high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Heat remaining oil in the same skillet over high heat; add ginger and cook 30 seconds.
Add mushrooms, scallions, bell pepper, snow peas, and red pepper flakes and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in shrimp and remaining soy sauce and toss to combine. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information: 
280 calories
8 g fat (1 g sat)
13 g carbohydate
38 g protein
2 g dietary fiber
600 mg sodium

Asparagus Omelets With Goat Cheese (Phase 1)

Asparagus Omelets With Goat Cheese (Phase 1)
Description:
Jumpstart your morning with this hearty omelet! The creamy texture of the goat cheese perfectly complements the crunchy asparagus.
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 cup liquid egg substitute
4 eggs
1/4 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
1/4 cup water
4 tablespoons crumbled reduced-fat goat cheese
Chives, for garnish

Directions:
In medium bowl, whisk together the egg substitute, eggs, and milk. Stir in the scallions, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt.
Place the asparagus and water in a large microwaveable bowl. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on high power for 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Stop and stir after 2 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and add to the egg mixture.
Heat a medium nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour one-quarter of the egg mixture into the skillet, allowing it to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom just begins to set. Sprinkle with 1 tabelspoon of the cheese. Add one-quarter of the asparagus pieces. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the eggs are almost set.
Using a large spatula, fold the omelet in half. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the omelet is golden and the cheese is melted. Turn onto a plate and keep warm.
Coat the skillet with cooking spray and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more omelets. Garnish with the chives.

Nutritional Information: 
180 calories
9 g fat (3 g sat)
6 g carbohydrate
19 g protein
2 g dietary fiber
450 mg sodium
215 mg cholesterol

Roasted Eggplant Stuffed With Beef (Phase 1)

Roasted Eggplant Stuffed With Beef (Phase 1)
Description
The presentation for this dish looks elaborate, but its preparation is really quite easy. You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead and fill the eggplant shells just before roasting.
Serves 4
 
Ingredients
2 eggplants (16 ounces each)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Pierce the eggplants in 2 or 3 places and place on a baking sheet. Roast, turning once or twice, for 20 minutes, or just until tender. When cool enough to handle, halve lengthwise and scoop out the pulp, leaving 1/2" to 3/4" of the shell. Set the shells aside. Chop the pulp and let drain in a colander in the sink.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until tender. Add the garlic and beef and cook, stirring to crumble the beef, for 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Stir in the eggplant pulp, oregano, and tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until thick. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese, the salt, and black pepper.
Place the eggplant shells on a baking sheet and evenly divide the beef mixture among them. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Roast 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
342 calories
17 g fat (6 g sat)
21 g carbohydrate
31 g protein
7 g fiber
677 mg sodium
71 mg cholesterol

Parmesan and Swiss Chard Omelet (Phase 1)

Parmesan and Swiss Chard Omelet (Phase 1)
Description
An omelet makes for a hearty meal, regardless of the time of day. This one is chock-full of vitamin-rich Swiss chard, heart-healthy shallots and garlic, and tasty Parmesan cheese. If chard isn’t available, substitute spinach.
Kitchen tip: Just give the chard a quick rinse before chopping off the woody stems. Wait to add the chard filling until just before folding the omelet. Adding it earlier will make the omelet watery.
Serves 2
 
Ingredients
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 bunch Swiss chard, leaves only, washed and chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
4 large eggs
Salt and black pepper

Instructions
Warm 1 teaspoon of oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
Add shallot; cook 3 minutes, until softened, stirring. Add chard; let sit in pan 2 minutes to begin wilting. Cook 8 minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic in last minute of cooking. Scrape mixture out of pan into a medium bowl. Stir in cheese.
In small bowl, lightly beat eggs, salt, and pepper. Wipe out skillet with paper towel; add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and place over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add eggs; let them sit for 3 seconds, until edges begin to set. Using a spatula, draw the lightly cooked egg to the center of the pan. Tilt the pan to the side so the uncooked egg runs to the bare spot at the edge of the pan. Repeat process all around the edges of the pan until omelet is just set but still moist.
Add chard filling evenly over top half of the omelet. Cook a few more seconds to melt cheese. Run the spatula quickly along the side of the pan to loosen the edges. Jerk the pan sharply away from you a few times; the omelet should slide up the far side of the pan. Tilt the pan, resting the far edge on a serving plate. Gently roll omelet onto plate, using the spatula to fold over the omelet. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information:
Per serving:
274 calories
21 g fat (5 g sat)
3.5 g carbohydrate
16.5 g protein
487 mg sodium
428 mg cholesterol

White Bean and Spinach Salad (Phase 1)

Spinach is rich in beta-carotene, folate, and vitamins C, E, and K, making it a great choice for a salad. This spinach salad features a flavorful olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing for a tangy finish.


Description
Remarkably easy to prepare, this bean and spinach salad is also stunning and very tasty. Slice the red onion as thinly as possible; when you soak it in warm olive oil and lemon juice, the bite will mellow, leaving you with a sweet and flavorful red onion vinaigrette.
Serves 10
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes

Ingredients
1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups packed baby spinach (2 ounces)
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
Combine onion, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a large serving bowl; stir well.
Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until just warm, about 2 minutes. Slowly and carefully pour warm oil over onion mixture (it will sizzle a bit). Stir well to combine and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add beans and spinach to the vinaigrette, and toss well to coat. Season with pepper to taste and serve.

Nutritional information:
Per serving:
130 calories
6 g fat (1 g sat)
15 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
4 g dietary fiber
320 mg sodium

Pork Satay (Phase 1)

Pork Satay (Phase 1)
Description
This tasty satay dish turns dinner into a festive event. The pork can be broiled or grilled; if you don’t have skewers, just broil the meat without them.
Serves 4
 
Ingredients
1/4 cup creamy natural no-sugar-added peanut butter
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds pork cutlets (about 3/4" thick), cut lengthwise into 1/2" strips
Special equipment:
4 metal skewers

Instructions
Heat oven to broil.
Whisk together peanut butter, water, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and red-pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Place pork in a separate mixing bowl, add 3 tablespoons of the peanut butter sauce, and toss to combine.
Reserve remaining sauce.
Thread pork onto skewers and broil 4 minutes per side. Place remaining sauce in dipping cups and serve with pork.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
360 calories
18 g fat (5 g sat)
5 g carbohydrates
42 g protein
1 g dietary fiber
420 mg sodium

Buffalo Chicken Bites (Phase 1)

Buffalo Chicken Bites (Phase 1)
Description
What would a football game be without the familiar taste of the devilishly spicy chicken that hails from Upstate New York?
Serves 8
 
Ingredients
3 tablespoons trans-fat-free margarine
2 tablespoons hot-pepper sauce, or more to taste
1 teaspoon canola oil
3 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 24 (1") cubes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 celery stalks, cut into 24 (1") pieces

Instructions
Melt margarine in a medium nonstick saucepan. Whisk in pepper sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened; set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Add margarine mixture to pan and gently toss chicken until well coated, 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove chicken from pan and skewer each cube with a toothpick. Skewer 1 piece of celery at the base of each. Arrange on a platter and serve with dip.

Nutrition information
Per 3-skewer serving:
150 calories
9 g fat (2.5 g sat)
1 g carbohydrate
16 g protein
0 g fiber
250 mg sodium

Cheesy Baked Artichokes (Phase 1)

Cheesy Baked Artichokes (Phase 1)
Description
Artichokes baked gratin-style are creamy and delicious. Using the frozen hearts makes this recipe a breeze to prepare.
Serves 4
 
Ingredients
2 packages (9 oz each) frozen artichoke hearts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons ground pecans
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Coat a 9" glass pie plate with cooking spray.
Place the artichokes in a colander and rinse well with cold water to separate. Drain well, then pat dry with paper towels. Place in the prepared pie plate and sprinkle with the lemon juice.
In a small bowl, combine the pecans, cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, and oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the artichokes.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
110 calories
6 g fat (1 g sat)
12 g carbohydrates
5 g protein
8 g dietary fiber
170 mg sodium
0 mg cholesterol

Curried Summer Squash Soup (Phase 1)

Curried Summer Squash Soup (Phase 1)
Description
This flavorful soup gets its smooth texture from yogurt and pureed chickpeas, which also offer a nice hit of protein. It can be served chilled or warm.
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 medium yellow squash, chopped (3 cups)
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
3 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in squash and onion, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is softened, about 8 minutes.
Add broth and chickpeas, bring to a simmer, and remove from the heat. Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return pureed soup to the pan with the rest of the soup and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer soup to a covered container and refrigerate until chilled, about 45 minutes.
Divide soup among 4 bowls, top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of basil, and serve.

Nutritional information:

Per 1 ½ cup serving:
200 calories
5 g fat (0.5 g sat)
30 g carbohydrate
10 g protein
6 g fiber
690 mg sodium

Mary on the Beach (Phase 1)

Mary on the Beach (Phase 1)
Description
Canned whole tomatoes add a deliciously pure and superconcentrated tomato flavor to this variation on a favorite brunch cocktail. In a rush? You can substitute 3 cups low-sodium tomato juice if you like. Or, if you have fresh tomatoes on hand, try making this Mary with fresh tomato juice: Use the ripest tomatoes whirled in a juicer.
Serves 4
 
Ingredients
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, with juices
1 cup chilled water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Ice cubes
4 celery stalks, with leaves
4 lime wedges

Instructions
In a blender, puree tomatoes and their juices until smooth. Strain puree into a large pitcher, pushing liquid through the strainer with a rubber spatula; discard seeds. Add water, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot-pepper sauce, celery seeds, and pepper to the pitcher; stir to combine.
Fill 4 (10-ounce) glasses with ice. Pour tomato mixture over ice, add a celery stalk and lime wedge to each glass, and serve.

Nutritional information:
Per 1-cup serving:
45 calories
0 g fat (0 g sat)
11 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
2 g fiber
340 mg sodium

Big Easy Shrimp (Phase 1)

Big Easy Shrimp (Phase 1)
Description
Here’s an easy way to get a taste of the Big Easy. Serve this traditional shrimp creole dish over brown rice to turn this into a Phase 2 dinner. If you like, you can substitute sea scallops for the shrimp.
Serves 4
 
Ingredients
2 strips turkey bacon or Canadian bacon
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (16 ounces) chopped tomatoes with juice
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions
Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Place on a paper towel–lined plate. Crumble when cool. Leave any drippings in the skillet.
In the skillet, over medium heat, cook the onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes (with juice), bay leaf, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot-pepper sauce. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the shrimp and bacon and cook for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutritional information:
185 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat)
12 g carbohydrate
26 g protein
3 g fiber
329 mg sodium
177 mg cholesterol

Portobello Burgers (Phase 1)

Portobello Burgers (Phase 1)
Description
Meaty mushrooms — combined with protein-packed textured vegetable protein (TVP), provolone cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes — make these vegetarian burgers super flavorful. TVP is a favorite vegetarian source of nonanimal protein and can be found at health-food stores. If you have extra time, form the burgers ahead and refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier handling.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves 6
 
Ingredients
1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)
4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded (1 cup)1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium portobello mushrooms, stemmed and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small zucchini, coarsely grated
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped

Instructions
Combine TVP, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl; stir to mix well.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms, onion, and zucchini; sauté, stirring often, until vegetables are softened and liquid is evaporated, about 8 minutes. Stir in tomatoes.
Add vegetable mixture to TVP/cheese mixture; stir to mix well. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
Shape vegetables mixture into 6 (3") patties. Heat remaining oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook patties, turning once with a wide spatula, until lightly browned, 3 minutes per side.

Nutritional information:
230 calories
16 g fat (5 g sat)
11 g carbohydrate
14 g protein
4 g fiber
190 mg sodium

Baked Eggs With Spinach and Ham (Phase 1)

Baked Eggs With Spinach and Ham (Phase 1)
Description
Eggs baked in a casserole make a classic late-morning dish that’s easy to prepare. This one gets added flavor and nutrients, including vitamin B6, folate, and potassium, from baby spinach and onions.
Make-Ahead: Ham and spinach can be prepared 1 day ahead and stored in separate covered containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves 8
 
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 (1-ounce) slices lower-fat, lower-sodium boiled or smoked ham (not honey glazed), cut into thin strips
4 ounces baby spinach, chopped (4-5 cups)
12 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
Heat oven to 350° F. Lightly coat an 8" by 8" glass baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ham and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Add to the bowl with the ham and onion mixture.
Whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour half of the egg mixture into the baking dish. Scatter onion, ham, and spinach mixture on top of eggs. Cover with remaining egg mixture. Bake until eggs are set and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Nutritional information:
170 calories
12 g fat (3 g sat)
3 g carbohydrate
13 g protein
0 g fiber
340 mg sodium

Warm Beef Salad (Phase 1)

Warm Beef Salad (Phase 1)
Description
Smoky grilled beef, crisp greens, and a zesty lemon dressing make up this satisfying salad. Purchasing washed, packaged salad greens will help keep the prep time quick.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds flank steak, 1" thick
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 ounces mesclun greens (6 cups)
4 plum tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
2 ounces reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)

Instructions

Heat grill to high. Grill steak 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes; slice thin.
Place lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard, and oil in a jar with a lid. Close tightly and shake vigorously to combine. Place greens in a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the dressing, and toss to coat.
Divide greens among 4 serving plates, top with steak, tomato wedges, onion, and feta, and serve.

Nutritional information
Per 2-cup serving:

420 calories
25 g fat (9 g sat)
7 g carbohydrate
42 g protein
2 g fiber
380 mg sodium