by susanb181

Great Greek Lamb Shanks (Slow Cooker)

greek lamb shanks in the slow cooker

greek lamb shanks in the slow cooker

Yes, another dish inspired by my recent (May 2015) trip to Greece. This one is so delicious and pretty easy to prepare – especially in a slow cooker. When you’re working it is a real treat to have such a prepared dish ready for you! I chopped and prepared everything the day before; refrigerated it in the slow cooker container and set it to slow cook the next day- I added an hour–it took 9 hours as it was cold from the fridge.

Of course, it’s low carb, with lean meat and lots of good veggies. You may know that cooking tomatoes actually increases the lycopene, which may be especially healthy for men; check it out with your doctor or a trusted nutritionist.

Now the recipe:

Great Greek Lamb Shanks

INGREDIENTS- serves 3-4 (with leftovers; depending on size of lamb shanks)

  • 4-6 lamb shanks, Frenched (a butcher will do this for you- it means making a cut in the bone)
  • 1/4-1/2  C flour
  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large or 2 med onions thickly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped in 1″ rounds
  • 2 zucchini chopped into 1″ cubes
  • 1 can artichoke hearts (10 oz)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (more if you like)
  • 1/2- 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 large can (28 oz) crushed Roma tomatoes
  • 1Tbsp fresh chopped or 1tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper

TO DO:

1. Place lamb and flour in large plastic bag and shake to coat.

2. Heat oil in pan and add lamb shanks in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove lamb shanks from pan and place into slow cooker.

3. Heat remaining oil and cook onions and garlic stirring until onions are soft.

4. Combine tomatoes, wine, stock, lemon zest, artichokes and olives.

5. Pour liquid mixture over lamb. Add carrots and zucchini, onions and garlic.

6. Cover pot with lid.

7. Cook on high setting for 6 hours or low setting for 8 hours.

8. Stir in oregano, lemon juice, seasoning and pepper just prior to serving. Taste and adjust.

Serve with whole wheat couscous and a Greek salad- natch!

Enjoy! And yes, Oopa!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Greek Salad Superb

 

traditional greek salad

traditional greek salad

I’ve enjoyed Greek salads for years and thought I knew what they consisted of- a generous bed of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, green peppers, Kalamata olives, some feta cheese sprinkled on top, with lemon and olive oil dressing. Sounds good (and it is) but what’s wrong with this recipe? Nothing, but it’s not exactly the traditional way.

I recently had the good fortune to visit Greece and was even more fortunate to eat traditional Greek salads in lots of tavernas. Guess what? No or very little (a few leaves) of lettuce. Yes, lots of fresh, delicious tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and green peppers, sweet red or white onion and both green and black Kalamata olives with big flat slabs of feta cheese on top, usually sprinkled with dried oregano. No lemon, but good first press Greek olive oil and sometimes red wine vinegar. Fresh, tasty and of course, healthy- no carbs to speak of. In one (my only) high end restaurant the feta was soaked in olive oil and covered in toasted sesame seeds plus plump capers were added – a delicious variation.

This salad is best with fresh tomatoes and the other vegetables from your garden or farmer’s market. And please use only best quality extra virgin Greek olive oil!

Traditional Greek Salad

INGREDIENTS (serves 2-3)

  • 1-2 ripe fresh tomatoes (depending on size), chopped into 1/2 ” pieces
  • 1/2 green pepper, sliced into thin rings
  • 1 peeled cucumber, sliced into thin rings or chunks
  • 1/2 red or sweet white onion slices
  • 1/2 cup green Greek or black Kalamata olives
  • 1/3 Lb. feta cheese in a flat slab
  • Oregano to sprinkle on top of the Feta
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Capers (optional)
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Greek olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

TO DO:

1. In a large bowl, put cucumbers on the bottom.

2. Add tomatoes, green pepper, onion.

3. Add olives (and capers if you like).

4. If you like, soak feta in olive oil and roll in toasted sesame seeds.

5. Put feta slab on top; pour olive oil and vinegar over the salad; sprinkle feta with oregano.

6. Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Greek Chicken a la Crete

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

 

Chicken is such a versatile meat; we enjoy it in many of its iterations from simple roast to this delicious Greek- inspired version chock full of flavor (and healthy veggies).

You can buy pre-cut chicken pieces or buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself. I like doing it that way as it’s fresher and less expensive. Plus I skin my chickens before cooking as well.

Something I learned is not to rinse chicken in advance of cooking- it just spreads any bacteria. Cooking itself kills whatever is on the poultry. Do clean your knives  (or kitchen scissors, cleavers, etc.) and boards thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

Greek Chicken

INGREDIENTS (for 2-4; 2 with leftovers)

  • 1 chicken, cut into pieces (I like organic “smart” chicken)
  • 1/3 cup olives – green and Kalamata mixed
  • 1 package frozen or 1 large (13 oz.) can artichoke hearts
  • 3/4 lb cremini mushrooms, chopped or sliced
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Lemon juice
  • 1tsp dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh minced Oregano or Thyme
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO: preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Spread olive oil over chicken pieces in 9×13 baking dish (I use glass, but Corning Ware, ceramic or metal are all good- your choice)

2. Mix  garlic, artichokes, mushrooms and add to chicken.

3. Pour wine and lemon juice over chicken and vegetables.

4. Place olives around chicken/veggies. (artistically of course !  (<*

5. Sprinkle herbs, spices and seasonings on top to taste.

6. Cover with aluminum foil- bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes longer (stick a knife in joint of a chicken leg- if juice runs clear you’re done)

Serve with whole grains or brown rice and a Greek salad; (recipe to come soon–please follow!)

Oopa! Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Best Shrimp Asparagus and Egg Salad

 

shrimp asparagus egg salad

shrimp asparagus egg salad

This salad is a major treat especially on a warm spring day when asparagus are in peak season!

At this time of year, it’s one of our favorite main dinner dishes. Of course, this also makes a delish special luncheon for your very best ladies who lunch. (<*

The ingredients are simple and the preparation pretty easy. The key ingredient is use the freshest you can find!

(If shellfish are a problem you can substitute tuna.)

Best Shrimp Asparagus and Egg Salad

INGREDIENTS

  • 4-5 cups lettuce (your choice, but I suggest at least some Romaine for crunch. Also as you might know, best to tear off leaves and tear up with your hands rather than a knife, especially if not using a whole head. Somehow the knife use makes the remaining lettuce turn brown faster- not sure why–if someone knows the details please let me know.)
  • 1 avocado, chopped or sliced
  • 1/3 red onion, chopped ( not too fine)
  • 1/2 lb. Bay shrimp cooked, rinsed and cooled the little guys)- put in fridge at least 1 hr. Ahead of serving ( I buy them cooked and cooled, but still rinse as they can be salty)
  • 4-6 med Prawns, cooked, peeled and cooled
  • 1 egg, hard boiled and sliced
  • 1/2 lb. Green asparagus, cooked but still crisp, and cooled ( blanched is best– cook until crisp, then dunk right away in ice water to keep the color and crispness). Chop into 1″ pieces, leaving 4-6 spears whole for garnish.
  • Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Juice of I lemon ( you can use 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime if you like)
  • 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2-3 cloves crushed garlic
  • Tarragon, savory and/or Herbs de Provence; salt free seasonings and pepper to taste

TO DO:

1. At least one hour in advance of serving time, boil the egg, let cool or place in fridge ( can be done a day in advance ), when prep time, slice or chop and set aside. ( leave 3-4 round pieces for garnish)

2. Wash, spin and tear lettuce into bite sized pieces, put into serving bowl.

3.  Prepare dressing; add garlic to oil, whisk in juice, mustard, spices and seasonings. ( can be made ahead and re-wisked)

4. Right before serving add Bay shrimp, chopped asparagus, chopped egg and chopped onion to lettuce.

At this point, dress and toss ( this is a trick I learned from a catering assistant, Maggie, my partner Rick’s daughter; dress the basic salad first, then add the toppings/garnishes, so they don’t all sink to the bottom.)

5. Add avocado pieces, whole Prawns, egg slices and asparagus spears for garnish- make it pretty! (see photo or use your own creativity!)

6. Serve with whole grain toast or crackers and cheese and a crisp, white wine if you like–we do!

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Breakfast egg/veggie/smoked salmon scramble

Mushrooms-spring onions-fresh eggs-smoked salmon

Mushrooms, spring onions, fresh eggs, and smoked salmon

 

healthy-breakfast-scramble-veggies

Chopped Mushrooms and spring onions; ready to cook

Saute onions mushrooms spinach

Saute onions, mushrooms and then spinach.

smoked salmon veggie scramble

Add the beaten eggs– gently cook

Egg/Veggie Scramble with Smoked Salmon

Breakfast, especially on a lazy Sunday, is one of our favorite meals.  For this dish, I added spinach, Cremini mushrooms and succulent chunks of smoked salmon to an egg scramble.

It’s spring and the weather is lovely.  Spring onions are a special treat now in season for a short while. They look like regular scallions with a slightly larger bulb, but they are very different; sweeter and more tender. I use them as often as I can find them at the local farmer’s market or even at the supermarket. (We have a local one that features fresh, local produce.)

I indulged further to serve with basil chicken sausages, and a few pieces of a really sweet tangerine as an accent to the savory flavors of this dish. Low carb and so delicious and satisfying!

INGREDIENTS

  • 3-4 fresh spring onions, chopped, including white bulbs and green stems
  • 1/2 cup spinach, chopped, removing stems
  • 1/2-1 cup Cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • Smoked salmon ( I used about 6 oz. for the two of us), chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp butter (I use unsalted, both as it’s my taste preference and for the salt-free aspect)
  • Thyme, herbs de Provence and/or salt-free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO:

1. Beat eggs ( I add a tsp. of milk or 1/2 and 1/2- that small amount Rick can tolerate); add seasonings to the eggs, and set aside.

2. Sauté mushrooms in butter; after they’re browned (about 6-7 minutes), add chopped onions and saute until soft, about another 5-6 minutes.

3.  Remove mushrooms and onions to a bowl.

4. Add spinach to the pan; saute briefly, 1-2 minutes until wilted.

5. Add mushrooms and onions back into the pan, and add beaten eggs over the vegetables.

6. Gently cook the mixture, using a spatula around the sides to fold in the mixture as it’s cooking.

7. Cook until barely firm, and serve.

8. Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Cauliflower and Walnut Crust Quiche

by susanb181

Best Chicken Curry with Vegetables and Condiments

 

healthy-chicken-curry-condiments

Condiment ingredients; Cucumbers (with yoghurt), cashews, tomatoes and onions, bananas (also with yoghurt) and avocado

healthy-chicken-curry-with-vegetables

The final Chicken Curry

diabetes-friendly-chicken-curry cooking-healthy-chicken-curry

This is a variation of an an authentic Indian recipe taught to me years ago by a lovely Indian woman when I lived in Toronto.

This version adds veggies including carrots, mushrooms and spinach. The condiments are as I learned, with the optional addition of avocado.

I recently cooked it for friends in FL, and it was a big hit! Yes, we also had Basmati rice–again, Rick was limited to 1/2 cup.

The prep is somewhat time consuming, including the condiments, but they are essential to the experience– don’t skip them!

Chicken Curry with Vegetables and Condiments 

INGREDIENTS (this is for 2-4; 2 with leftovers–increase if you’re feeding a larger group)

  • 1 chicken breast, 2 whole legs/thighs; deboned and chopped into 1″ pieces; (I buy them with bones and skin and chop and remove the skin myself as it’s cheaper, but you can buy the skinned, boneless – definitely faster)
  • 1 large onion chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1-2 carrots, chopped  into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2-3/4 cup mushrooms (we use Cremini), chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • 2-4 Tbsp. Safflower or other high heat oil
  • 1-3 Tbsp curry powder to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Tabasco or red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup Coconut cream* or plain full fat yoghurt (if dairy is not a problem)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2-3 tsp. lime juice (juice of 1/2 lime)
  • Condiments:
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1/3 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 bananas, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted or raw unsalted cashews
  • 2-3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup plain yoghurt
  • optional: 1 avocado, sliced; squeeze of lime

TO DO: note: have 3 (4 if serving avocado) medium bowls and 1 small one for serving condiments

Curry:

1. Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in large saucepan or electric skillet.

2. Add the curry powder and brown for 5 minutes, sprinkling with water if it seems to be burning (this is important as it brings out the flavor). Add the chicken pieces and brown 5 minutes per side, mixing them in the curry powder. Put aside.

3. Heat 1-2 Tbs oil, add the onions and saute for 5 minutes; add carrots and mushrooms, and saute for another 5-6 minutes.

4. Add the spinach and cook 2-3 minutes; add the chicken back in the pan, and add the coconut cream or yoghurt, and water, and Tabasco. Stir all gently together.

5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Taste- add more curry powder and Tabasco/red pepper to taste.

6. Squeeze lime in and mix.

Serve with condiments, and whole wheat Nan bread, papadums and rice as you like; other grains, or not, per your dietary restrictions.

Condiments (serve each in a separate bowl):

1. Mix chopped cucumber and yoghurt to cover, sprinkle with paprika or red pepper for color.

2. Mix chopped bananas and yoghurt to cover, sprinkle with nutmeg.

3. Mix chopped tomatoes with about 1/3 cup chopped onion and red wine vinegar.

4. Squeeze lime on sliced avocado; (these are not a traditional condiment).

5. Raw or roasted cashews (serve in small bowl; I like glass for these)

I also like lemon/mango pickle (found in Asian markets)–they are very pungent, but I like the taste with the curry.

*Coconut cream can be found in Asian markets, and is low in carbs.

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Rainbow Swiss Chard

chopping-rainbow-chard

Such pretty rainbow colors!

sautee-rainbow-swiss-chard-stems

The chard stems are cooked first

sauteed-rainbow-swiss-chard

The final cooked chard

 

Chard (Swiss Chard) was a new vegetable to me. Rick had made it previously, so I wanted to try it. This is really his recipe.

We buy rainbow chard at the farmer’s market– so pretty, so easy and so delicious! I love the colors! If available, choose the rainbow variety, though the plain Jane is just as tasty. Also, of course, both are low carb, and full of good greens; see the link below for nutritional info. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=16

Rainbow Chard

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 -2 bunches Rainbow (or just green) Swiss Chard
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 3-4 Tbsp good balsamic vinegar
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO:

1. Wash the chard (I use a large colander and wash each large leaf )

2. Strip the leaves from the stems and cut off ends and discard any large, tough stems

3. Chop stems into 1/2 or 1″ pieces, then chop leaves into I” pieces; separate stems from leaves

4. Preheat a large sauté pan, add oil. Add vinegar

5. Saute stems for approx. 10 min., then add leaves, and saute approx another 10 min. until vinegar is reduced

6. Add spices and seasonings to taste. Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

My Grandma’s Meatloaf

Growing up I took this kind of delicious food for granted. Not anymore! Now meatloaf is so popular- “comfort food” that it is.

This recipe is tried and true; and I have to say, I’ve rarely had a more tasty one.

I’ve added a few changes, but basically this is the recipe I had as a kid. It does have some carbs, but I use whole grain bread in it, and a few more veggies, but here it is.

My favorite thing is the next-day meatloaf sandwich, with lots of ketchup on it-so delicious!

Thanks, Grandma!

healthy-meatloaf-recipe

Grandma’s Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS

  • 2-3 lbs. lean ground beef/pork mixture or turkey (if I use turkey I use a mix of 3/4 thigh and 1/4 breast meat)
  • 1-2 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 medium onion chopped fine
  • 1 large or 2 medium carrots, chopped fine
  • 1/2 cup spinach chopped
  • 1 can tomato sauce (I use unsalted)
  • 1tsp. Worcester sauce (if you like the taste)
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste
  • Tomato paste or ketchup

TO DO:

1. In a large bowl mix ground meat, carrot, spinach and beaten egg.

2. In a separate bowl, break up bread and mix in tomato sauce; mash with a fork until thoroughly mixed.

3. Add bread mix to meat mix; add chopped onion and mix all together thoroughly. ( I recommend using your hands for this- nothing else seems to work as well- it’s actually quite satisfying!) Mix in Worchester sauce and spices.

4. Put meatloaf into a ceramic, glass or your other favorite casserole dish. (I use a spatula); Spead tomato paste or ketchup on top.

5. Cover and bake at 375 F for 40 minutes, remove cover and bake 15 minutes more, until top is brown and meatloaf is bubbly.

6. Serve with your favorite vegetables, brown rice and yes, green salad with a tangy dressing, like my “mustard/garlic vinaigrette.”

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Veggie Lentil Soup

veggie-lentil-soup-ingredients

Fresh, dried and canned ingredients

diabetes-friendly-veggie-lentil-soup-ingredients

Fresh, canned, (we were lucky to be given home-canned tomatoes), and dried ingredients

healthy-veggie-lentil-soup-broth

So good in the pot (added bay leaf)

 

diabetes-friendly-veggie-lentil-soup

Goodness is in the bowl!

A hearty and delicious cool weather meal is this lentil soup, with added veggies, wine and lots of flavour.

Lentils do have higher carbs but they are also are high in protein and fiber. Of course, you can moderate your amounts, depending on your own health situation. For more lentil nutrition info, go to the link marked * at the end of this post.

Some lentil soups are too watery, and some are too thick. This one has the right balance of broth and substance. You can also add other vegetables, and even bacon, but this is how I make it.

I recently made this Soup with red lentils from a brand called “Pereg”— and was disappointed that these lentils never got totally tender, even after a lot of cooking- first one hour, then two subsequent cookings, (I made a large batch so we had leftovers), for 1/2 hr. To 45 minutes each time. Also I added cumin and all spice, so the flavor was interesting. All in all, still good, but next time I’ll stick with green or brown lentils. Have any of you, dear readers, had the same experience?

Veggie Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

  • 3/4-1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed.
  • 2-3 cups broth (I use low sodium chicken broth, but vegetable works fine too)
  • 32 oz. can of crushed or chopped plum tomatoes (I use unsalted) or if you have home-canned lucky you
  • 4-5 carrots, in 1/2 ” rounds
  • 2-3 sticks of celery, chopped in 1/2″ pieces, with 2-3 tbsp. chopped green tops
  • 1 large onion, chopped into medium pieces
  • 3-4 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine (your choice, I use whatever we have leftover)
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
  • lemon zest to taste
  • 1 large Bay leaf
  • Optional: 1-2 hot dogs or cooked chicken sausages, chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO:

1. Preheat large saute pan.

2. Add olive oil, chopped onion, celery and carrots. Brown and sauté on medium high heat approx. 10 minutes, until somewhat tender. Add garlic and sauté 2 more minutes, making sure garlic doesn’t burn.

3. Add veggies to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add lentils, and rest of ingredients, except for lemon zest.

4. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn down heat to a slow simmer.

5. Simmer on low for approx. 30-40 minutes

6. Test for tenderness (carrots and lentils especially)

7. Add lemon zest and adjust spices and seasonings to taste.

8. You can also use a hand blender if you like a smoother texture (or remove some of the soup to a blender and add back into the pot)

9. Serve with the always delish green salad, https://type2delicious.com/2014/11/18/salad-with-goat-cheese-pears-and-mustardgarlic-vinaigrette/

And whole grain toast if you like. I also like a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to top off my bowl!

*http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/CarbsInGrains/a/Carbs-In-lentils.htm

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com