Tag / vegetable recipes

by susanb181

My Mom’s Turkey Soup

Chopping celery

My Mom’s Turkey Soup

My mother was a very busy pediatrician who rarely had time to cook; (my grandma lived with us and did most of that. We were very grateful as she was a superb cook.)

Thanksgiving, however, unless there were medical emergencies, was a lovely relaxed time in our house. Mom took advantage of this break to use the turkey carcass to make a delicious turkey soup chock full of vegetables, garlic, wine and chunks of turkey from the carcass. It’s also easy to make and I’ve never had any better!

I made it without noodles, but you could add whole wheat or other whole grain noodles of your choice, as now there is a good selection of these.

INGREDIENTS 

  • 1 turkey carcass, split into halves (or smaller pieces, depending on your pot)
  • 3-4 large carrots, sliced in 1/2 ” rounds
  • 1 cup celery, chopped; using “Cook’s Illustrated” magazine’s technique: wash the celery to the point that you’re using, then instead of tearing off the stalks, cut from the whole (see photo). I’ve found it much more convenient and easy.
  • 1 large onion chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic- chopped fine. We love garlic; use as many to your taste.
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • Turkey, chicken or vegetable broth to cover the carcass (approx. 1 quart). I use a combination of turkey broth I make from the giblets and a commercial low sodium chicken stock.
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • Herbs; your choice, but make one a bay leaf.
  • No-salt seasoning (Trader Joe’s has a good one; 21 Seasoning Salute)

TO DO

1. Heat a large sauce pan, add olive oil. Sauté onions on medium heat until transparent ( approx. 5-7 min.)

2. Remove the onions, add and sauté carrots and celery in the pan. After about 7 minutes add garlic and continue for approx. 2-3 minutes, making sure garlic doesn’t burn.

3. Put the carcass in a large Dutch oven or stock pot, add the vegetables and cover to the top of the carcass with broth.

4. Add wine, bay leaf and other seasoning.

5. Bring to a boil and then turn down to low to simmer for 45 min. to 1 hour, until vegetables are tender and meat falls off the bones; or longer, depending on your timing.

6. Remove the carcass from the pot and strip off the meat- chop and return meat to the soup.

7. Serve with good whole grain toast or noodles.

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Baked Delicata Squash

Delicata Squash – pretty before baking

Baked Delicata Squash- adult candy!

One of the easiest and most delicious low carb side dishes; and it’s easy to prepare as well.

INGREDIENTS 

  • 2-3 Delicata Squash
  • Olive oil
  • Herbs; your choice
  • No-salt seasoning (Trader Joe’s has a good one; 21 Seasoning Salute)

TO DO

1. Preheat oven to 400.

2. Split the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp.

3. Rub the insides with olive oil and herbs and seasonings.

4. Slice the half squashes into 1/2 inch “moons” – see the photo above.

5. Rub oil on a baking sheet – put slices pulp face down; make sure each piece is separate on the pan.

6. Bake for 20 minutes – turn pieces over and bake another 25 minutes until soft and brown on both sides.

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Spinach, Mushroom and Fresh Tomato Omelette

Omelette ready to be enjoyed!

Fresh-eggs-spinach-mushrooms-tomatoes-delicious-omelelette

Fresh eggs, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes make a delicious omelelette

Brunch is one of our favorite meals. On almost every Sunday we relax in the morning, Rick works in the garden and I cook a brunch for both of us. Omelettes are a treat I often make, with a variety of ingredients.

Now that it’s summer and our tomatoes are ripe, I try to include them every time. We also are lucky to have a source of fresh eggs from friends with chickens- the yolks are so golden orange they make a beautiful sight, and taste really different, rich and flavorful.

I always add at least two vegetables to the mix. This omelette has spinach, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes from our garden.

Often we also have chicken sausages, and whole wheat toast (Rick has one slice, and usually I do too); with goat cheese (me) and Almond Butter (Rick) for a satisfying low carb meal. And yes, I have to have my coffee!

Fresh Vegetable Omelette 

INGREDIENTS (serves 2-3)

  • 4-6 eggs, depending on size (we get whatever size our friends’ chickens lay!), lightly beaten
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, washed, and stems removed (I use baby spinach if possible so I don’t bother chopping.)
  • 1/3 large or 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • Tomatoes, chopped into 1/2″ pieces; I use 1 cup as I love them!
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup mushrooms- chopped or sliced; your choice (I used fresh Shitake mushrooms this time, but also Cremini, and others that are fresh in the farmer’s market near us.)
  • 2 Tbsp. Butter, 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Tarragon, savory and/or Herbs de Provence; salt free seasonings and pepper to taste

TO DO:

1. Melt 1Tbsp. of butter in a medium frying pan, on medium heat. Add the Tbsp. of oil, and when hot, the onions (they should sizzle). Saute until transparent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the tomatoes, and saute til soft, another 4-5 minutes. (most of the skins will come off – remove some from the pan at this point if you wish)

3.  Rinse the spinach and add to the pan, stirring quickly for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the remaining butter. Turn the heat to med low or low. Add the beaten eggs and, with a flexible spatula, go under and around the edges of the mixture, until the bottom is firm, about 5-6 Minutes. Fold the omelette over, so that the middle cooks to your liking.

5. Season to taste.

6. Serve with whole grain toast, sausages, etc.– your choice! And, of course, good, fresh, strong coffee!

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Easy Tomato Salad and Greek Salad 2

Back to Greece for a Greek Salad update-plus a salad with the first tomatoes from our garden-I wait all year for this–tomatoes from the garden can’t be equalled! And of course, low carb and easy to prepare. With such delicious fresh ingredients simple preparation is the best.

diabetes-friendly-Fresh-Tomato-Salad

Simple, delicious, fresh tomato salad

healthy-greek-tomato-salad

Special Greek Salad I made a version of the special Greek Salad I enjoyed in the one (only) high end restaurant. The feta is soaked in olive oil and covered in toasted sesame seeds plus plump capers were added – a delicious variation. Rick loved it! ( see my blog post on “Superb Greek Salad” for more details.)

Fresh Tomato Salad

INGREDIENTS (serves 2-3)

  • 2-3 ripe, fresh sliced tomatoes (depending on size),  per serving
  • Walnut or other nut oil ( I also use Hazelnut oil from Trader Joe’s) or good Greek olive oil
  • Fresh chives cut and sprinkled on top (chives are easy to grow in pots)
  • Fresh ground black pepper and salt-free seasoning if you like

TO DO:

1. Slice tomatoes, put on serving plates

2. Drizzle with oil ( about 2 Tbsp per serving)

3. Sprinkle chopped chives on top

4. Grind pepper, add seasoning if you like

That’s it! So simple and delicious!

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

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

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