Tag: comfort food

  • Braised Cabbage With Apples

    Braised Cabbage With Apples

    How to Make Braised Cabbage With Apples

    This sweet and savory dish uses seasonal apples and cabbage for a budget-friendly side vegetable. Great paired with a simple meat entree such as Apple Mustard Pork Chops.


    15 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    8servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and apple, and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the apple begins to soften. Add in the caraway seeds and sugar, and sauté for 1 minute.
    2. Add in the cabbage and toss with tongs, coating the cabbage with the apples and onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes.
    3. Add in the broth and apple juice, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is cooked through but tender. Sprinkle in the cider vinegar or lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      40

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1.5g

      2%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      30mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      115mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    butter
    1 tsp

    onion (diced)
    1/2

    Granny Smith or other tart apple (unpeeled and diced)
    1

    caraway seeds
    1/2 tsp

    sugar
    1/2 tsp

    shredded red cabbage
    3 cup

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/4 cup

    apple juice
    1/4 cup

    apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
    1 tbsp

    salt and pepper to taste (not included in nutrition analysis)
    1

  • Better Mashed Potatoes

    Better Mashed Potatoes

    How to Make Better Mashed Potatoes

    The potato is the star of this comfort-food side dish, but a nonstarchy vegetable plays a surprising supporting role. The result is light and luscious. 

    Smart Swaps: The original mashed potato recipe (serving size: 1/2 cup) had 130 calories, 8 g fat (4.7 g sat. fat, 0.3 g trans fat), 15 g carbohydrate, and 770 mg sodium. *

    Mashing options: Put the mixture through a ricer or a food processor for a smooth mash. Mash with a potato masher for a coarse mash. 

    Veggie Helper: Cauliflower, which has less starch than potato, helps cut in half the carbohydrate grams in this dish. 

    Less Fat: Fat-free buttermilk adds richness without the fat calories of the butter and whole milk in the original recipe. 

    More Flavor: I used less salt overall but swapped in a small amount of Parmesan for a flavor boost.


    20 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    10servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large saucepan, place the potato, garlic, and cauliflower and enough water to cover. Bring to boiling, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the potato and cauliflower are tender, about 15 minutes.

    2. Drain and add the vegetables and garlic back to the pot. Cover the pot with a kitchen towel and put the lid over the towel. Let stand for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and towel. This process helps to dry the vegetables so they mash better.

    3. Add the buttermilk, cheese, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash* just until the ingredients are lightly combined. If desired, garnish with fresh snipped chives.

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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      280mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      264mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1 tsp

    butter (unsalted butter)
    2 tsp

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    2 tbsp

    low-fat buttermilk
    1/3 cup

    head cauliflower (separated into small florets, discard core and stem)
    1

    garlic (peeled and left whole)
    5 clove

    russet or baking potatoes (peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes)
    7 oz

  • Basic Tuscan Bean Soup

    Basic Tuscan Bean Soup

    How to Make Basic Tuscan Bean Soup


    10 min prep time


    28 min cook time


    9servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a saucepot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and rosemary and sauté for 1 minute. Add the remaining ingredients, except the vinegar and basil. Bring to boiling. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
    2. Add the vinegar. Top with the basil before serving.
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    Nutrition facts

    9 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      210mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      460mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    fresh basil (minced)
    2 tbsp

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

    chickpeas (garbanzo beans) (rinsed and drained)
    30 oz

    canned diced tomatoes
    14 oz

    chicken or vegetable broth
    5 cup

    fresh rosemary (minced)
    2 tsp

    garlic (minced)
    4 clove

    carrot(s) (diced)
    2

    celery (diced)
    2 stalks

    onion(s) (diced)
    1

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

  • Baked Egg ‘n’ Tomato Cups

    Baked Egg ‘n’ Tomato Cups

    How to Make Baked Egg ‘n’ Tomato Cups

     

    Late summer is the best time to find delicious, ripe tomatoes. Check your local grocery store or farmer’s market for heirloom tomatoes – they come in a variety of colors and might not be perfectly round, but they’re very tasty and add a whimsical touch to breakfast!
     
    Find this recipe and more in our cookbook Guilt-Free Comfort Favorites from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen. 


    10 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    4servings


    1 tomato cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
    2. Cut 1/4 inch off the top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp and seeds, leaving about 1/2-inch-think shell. (Reserve tomato pulp for another use or discard.) Place cut-side-up in baking dish. Evenly sprinkle tomatoes with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the seasoning blend.
    3. Break an egg into each tomato. Sprinkle each egg with 1/2 teaspoon cheese and the remaining 1/4 tsp pepper. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with bacon to serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 tomato cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      195mg

      65%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      10g

    • Potassium
      440mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    large ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes
    4

    black pepper (divided)
    1/2 tsp

    salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend, such as Mrs. Dash
    1/2 tsp

    eggs
    4

    reduced fat parmesan cheese (grated)
    2 tsp

    bacon (cooked and crumbled)
    2 slice

  • Sheet Pan Roasted Turkey and Veggies

    Sheet Pan Roasted Turkey and Veggies

    How to Make Sheet Pan Roasted Turkey and Veggies

    Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this! This whole meal comes together in one sheet pan and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, and it’s low carb and loaded with veggies!
     
    Find this recipe and more in our cookbook Guilt-Free Comfort Favorites from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen. 


    15 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    6servings


    3 oz turkey with 1 cup vegetables

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

    2. In a large bowl, combine oil, juice from 1/2 lemon, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; mix well. Add turkey and toss until evenly coated. Place on a baking sheet. Add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion to oil mixture and toss until evenly coated. Place vegetables and lemon halves on baking sheet.

    3. Roast 25 to 30 minutes or until no pink remains in turkey and vegetables are tender. With a pair of tongs, squeeze roasted lemon halves over turkey and vegetables and serve immediately.

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 oz turkey with 1 cup vegetables


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      35mg

      12%

    • Sodium
      250mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      287mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    lemon (cut in half, divided use)
    1 whole

    fresh rosemary (stems removed, chopped)
    3 sprig

    garlic powder
    1 tsp

    paprika
    1 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    boneless turkey tenderloins (cut in half)
    1 1/4 lbs

    bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, cut into 2-inch chunks)
    2

    zucchini (cut into 1-inch chunks)
    1

    white (button) mushrooms (cut in half)
    1 cup

    red onion (cut into 1-inch chunks)
    1/2

  • Sun-Kissed Health Salad

    Sun-Kissed Health Salad

    How to Make Sun-Kissed Health Salad

    Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and loaded with protein – this salad has it all! Blending avocado into the dressing makes it rich and creamy, and the addition of citrus can make it feel like summer any time of year. Quinoa, edamame, and pepitas add protein, making this a hearty salad that would be great along side a sandwich or soup for lunch!

    Find this recipe and more in our cookbook Guilt-Free Comfort Favorites from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen. 


    30 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    6servings


    1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Make the citrus dressing: In a blender or food processor, blend olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, 1/4 of the avocado, parsley, salt, and garlic until smooth. Set aside.
    2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomato, quinoa, edamame, the rest of the avocado, and pepitas. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      12g

      15%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.6g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      105mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      490mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    lemon juice
    2 tbsp

    orange juice
    2 tbsp

    avocado (divided use, pitted, peeled, and diced)
    1 whole

    fresh parsley (stems removed)
    1/4 cup

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    garlic
    1 clove

    bibb or boston lettuce (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    1 head

    grape or cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
    1 cup

    quinoa (cooked according to package directions and cooled)
    1/2 cup

    frozen shelled edamame (cooked according to package directions)
    1 cup

    unsalted pepitas
    2 tbsp

  • Citrus-Tarragon Chicken Kabobs

    Citrus-Tarragon Chicken Kabobs

    How to Make Citrus-Tarragon Chicken Kabobs

    Meat is typically the first thing that comes to mind when we think about grilling, but grilled vegetables can taste just as good! When we asked football players Blake and Reid Fergeuson for a recipe that reminded them of mom, they sent us this perfect summer dish. ADA dietitian Shamera Robinson was impressed. “Reid and Blake Ferguson’s kabob recipe already had a great mix of protein and veggies, so we didn’t have to make many tweaks. We simply added more of the colorful veggies to each kabob to give a wide variety of nutrients.”

    “I love to grill! I like making chicken, steak, brisket—you name it! Anything that can go on a grill I will cook it,” says Reid Ferguson.


    2 hr prep time


    15 min cook time


    12servings


    1 kabob

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 1 hour to keep from burning.
    2. Whisk together orange, lemon, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, tarragon, soy sauce, oil, salt, and pepper.
    3. Toss the chicken in the mixture until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours.
    4. Cut bell pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces.
    5. Whisk together oil and balsamic vinegar.
    6. Assemble kabobs: divide chicken evenly between 12 kabobs. On each skewer, add 1-2 pieces bell pepper, 1-2 pieces onion, 1 cherry tomato, 1 mushroom, 1 slice zucchini, 1 baby potato, one round of corn and some pieces of chicken.
    7. Baste kabobs with balsamic vinaigrette.
    8. Grill kabobs directly over heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning 1/4 rotation every 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 kabob


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      340

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      18g

      23%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.7g

        14%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      100mg

      33%

    • Sodium
      470mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      27g

    • Potassium
      720mg

      15%

    Ingredients

    orange (zested and juiced)
    1

    lemon (zested and juiced)
    1

    lime (zested and juiced)
    1

    garlic (minced)
    4 clove

    fresh tarragon (minced)
    1 tbsp

    soy sauce
    1/4 cup

    vegetable oil
    1/4 cup

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
    1 lbs

    green bell pepper
    1

    red bell pepper
    1

    white onion
    1

    cherry tomatoes
    12

    small button mushrooms
    12

    zucchini or yellow summer squash (cut into 12 slices)
    1

    baby golden potatoes
    12

    ears corn (cut into 12 rounds)
    1

    olive oil
    1/4 cup

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

  • Cold Pasta Salad

    Cold Pasta Salad

    How to Make Cold Pasta Salad

    A cookout just isn’t the same without mom’s pasta salad, and NFL linebacker Dont’a Hightower would agree! The cold pasta salad recipe from Dont’a Hightower’s mother stands out because she uses whole wheat spaghetti noodles. ADA nutrition team member Shamera Robinson, RD, applauds this approach. “Adding whole grains into your recipes is a simple way to bump up your fiber intake. To give it a boost, we increased the fiber even more by doubling the chopped veggies.”

    “[I] definitely need whole grains to keep myself fueled, especially during workouts and the season. I enjoy mixing quinoa and brown rice into meals whenever I can to complement the protein,” says Hightower.


    20 min prep time


    0 min cook time


    12servings


    1 cup pasta salad

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Cook pasta according to directions on the box.
    2. While pasta is cooking, chop up all of the vegetables.
    3. Drain pasta and mix with the chopped vegetables.
    4. Add both dressings and salad supreme seasoning, and mix until combined.
    5. Chill and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup pasta salad


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      220

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      510mg

      22%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      40g

      15%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    cucumber(s) (chopped)
    1

    green bell pepper (chopped)
    1

    grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
    2 cup

    black olives (sliced, 4.25 oz, drained)
    1 can

    McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning
    1/4 cup

    light Italian salad dressing
    1/2 cup

    light French salad dressing
    1/2 cup

    dry whole wheat spaghetti
    1 lbs

  • Chicken Soup

    Chicken Soup

    How to Make Chicken Soup

    Most families have a favorite soup they enjoy eating together and Brendon Ayanbadejo’s family is no different. Brendon, a former NFL linebacker, shared his mom’s chicken soup recipe as a way to honor her on Mother’s Day. One of the many things that make this recipe special is the homemade chicken broth. ADA registered dietitian, Shamera Robinson, agrees this is a smart approach. “Making your own broth helps to control how much salt you eat,” she says. “But don’t worry! If you’re in a hurry, then you can skip a few steps by using a low-sodium chicken broth from the store.”

    Ayanbedejo says certain ingredients make the soup sing: the whole chicken (with skin and bones); cilantro; and lime (added right before serving). “The way that all the flavors blend together—it tastes so good. Sometimes, I’ll make tortillas to have on the side with the soup,” he adds.


    20 min prep time


    2 hr cook time


    8servings


    1 cup of soup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Make the broth first: In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of water, whole chicken, 2 of the celery sticks, ½ of the onion, 2 of the garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper to taste.
    2. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
    3. While the broth is simmering, dice the remaining celery sticks, the other half of the onion, the carrots, and the squash. Finely mince the remaining garlic cloves and jalapeño. Chop the ears of corn into 3-inch pieces.
    4. When the broth is done simmering, remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Strain broth and reserve the liquid in a bowl or other container (discard strained ingredients). Skim the fat off the top of the broth.
    5. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove skin and discard. Remove meat from the bones and roughly chop.
    6. In the same pot, add all of the chopped vegetables, the chopped chicken, salt and pepper to taste, and bay leaves.
    7. Add the broth. The broth should cover everything in the pot by 2 inches. If not, add water and more salt.
    8. Cover and cook for 1 hour on low heat.
    9. Remove bay leaves before serving.
    10. Serve and top with cilantro
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup of soup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      310

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      14g

      18%

      • Saturated Fat
        3.5g

        18%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      90mg

      30%

    • Sodium
      410mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      11g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      36g

    • Potassium
      570mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    whole chicken (fresh or thawed)
    1

    celery
    4 stalks

    onion(s)
    1 whole

    garlic
    4 clove

    carrot(s)
    2

    zucchini or yellow summer squash
    4

    jalapeño pepper
    1

    ears corn
    2

    water
    8 cup

    bay leaves
    2

    lime (juiced)
    2

    cilantro (chopped)
    1 bunch

  • Winter Squash with Oat and Walnut Crumble Topping

    Winter Squash with Oat and Walnut Crumble Topping

    How to Make Winter Squash with Oat and Walnut Crumble Topping

    The huge timesaver in this recipe is using frozen winter squash, which is surprisingly delicious. This makes a great fall side dish. If you don’t like squash, you could substitute sweet potatoes for it in this recipe.


    10 min prep time


    8servings


    1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    2. In a small bowl mix together the squash and cinnamon.
    3. In another small bowl, mix together the crumble topping, using your hands.
    4. Pour the squash into a round baking dish. Spread the crumble topping evenly over the squash.
    5. Bake for 20 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      105

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      15mg

      <1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      18g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      215mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    packages frozen mashed winter squash (2 (12-ounce) packages, thawed)
    2

    ground cinnamon
    1/2 tsp

    walnuts, chopped (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    old-fashioned rolled oats
    1/4 cup

    margarine (trans-fat-free, diced)
    1 tbsp

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    2 tbsp