Tag: comfort food

  • Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

    Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

    How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

    Tomatoes are high in potassium, meaning tomato sauce is usually off limits for someone managing kidney disease on a low potassium diet. This kidney-friendly sauce replaces half the tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a lower potassium sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a replacement for tomato sauce in recipes. And, it tastes great! You can use store bought roasted red peppers (look for the lowest sodium option) or roast red bell peppers at home. You can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch and freeze some for later.
     


    10 min prep time


    4servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place peppers and garlic in food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add tomato sauce, olive oil and Italian seasonings. Process until well blended. Ready to use on pizza, pasta or as a replacement for tomato sauce in recipes. May be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen until ready to use.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      40mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      132mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp, or to taste

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    low sodium tomato sauce
    1/2 cup

    garlic
    1 clove

    roasted red peppers (drained)
    1/2 cup

  • Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

    Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

    How to Make Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

    Store-bought cajun seasoning can contain over 1000mg of salt per teaspoon! This salt-free blend provides the same cajun flavors, but you can control how much salt goes in the final dish. You could used this seasoning on chicken, fish, or other seafood, sprinkled on steamed or roasted vegetables, or as a seasoning for popcorn. The possibilities are endless!


    5 min prep time


    20servings


    1 tsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 tsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      5

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      0mg

      0%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        0g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      34mg

      <1%

    Ingredients

    paprika
    2 tbsp

    garlic powder
    1 tbsp

    onion powder
    1 tbsp

    black pepper
    2 tsp

    cayenne pepper
    2 tsp

    dried thyme
    2 tsp

    dried oregano
    2 tsp

  • Vegetarian Kale Pasta

    Vegetarian Kale Pasta

    How to Make Vegetarian Kale Pasta

    This one-pan vegetarian pasta calls for soy-based veggie crumbles that provide the same texture and flavor as ground beef. You could also make this dish vegan by using a non-dairy yogurt. Everything cooks together in one pan making clean up a breeze—perfect for a weeknight meal!


    10 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    6servings


    1 1/3 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until tender. 

    2. Stir in the veggie crumbles, water and Italian seasonings. Cover and cook until crumbles are cooked through, about 4 minutes.

    3. Pour 2-1/2 cups vegetable broth into the mixture and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium high heat until broth is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. 

    4. Add remaining broth, kale and chili flakes and cook over medium heat until pasta is done, about 14 minutes.

    5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt. Serve hot.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/3 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      250

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      320mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      38g

      14%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        3g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      17g

    • Potassium
      462mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    diced onion
    1 cup

    meatless ground “beef” crumbles (from frozen section)
    12 oz

    water
    1/3 cup

    Italian seasoning
    2 tsp

    Red Chili Flakes
    1 tsp

    low sodium vegetable broth (divided use)
    4 cup

    whole wheat bowtie pasta
    8 oz

    kale (chopped)
    2 cup

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
    6 tbsp

  • Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”

    Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”

    How to Make Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”

    Frozen bananas are the surprising base for this creamy, soft-serve “ice cream.” It’s dairy-free and vegan, low in saturated fat, made with no added sugars, and still totally delicious! Perfect for when you are craving dessert. You could use fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, let them thaw first.


    2 hre prep time


    4servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Peel bananas and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Place in a bowl and freeze for at least 2 hours.

    2. Once bananas are frozen, add them to a blender or food processor along with the strawberries and coconut milk. Blend on high speed 30 seconds. 

    3. Scrape down the sides of the blender and blend on high 30 more seconds. Repeat this process until mixture is smooth and the texture of soft-serve ice cream. 

    4. You can serve immediately or freeze for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      0mg

      0%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        10g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      310mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    banana(s)
    2

    sliced strawberries
    1 cup

    coconut milk
    2 tbsp

  • Quinoa Dessert Pudding

    Quinoa Dessert Pudding

    How to Make Quinoa Dessert Pudding

    This dessert has the same comfort and flavor of rice pudding, but it’s made with quinoa which is a high-protein whole grain and diabetes superfood. Be sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking—this helps avoid any bitter taste.


    5 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    9servings


    1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Rinse quinoa under cold
      water
      for 2 minutes.
    2. Whisk together milk,
      fat-free half-and-half,
      brown sugar blend, vanilla,
      cinnamon,
      and nutmeg in
      a medium saucepan over
      medium heat. Bring to a
      simmer.
    3. Once the milk mixture is
      simmering, stir in quinoa and
      reduce heat to a low simmer.
      Partially cover the pan and
      cook 40 minutes, stirring every
      10 minutes.
    4. When quinoa is done
      cooking,
      stir in toasted
      pumpkin
      seeds and serve.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    9 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      60mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      21g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        7g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      300mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    quinoa
    1 cup

    skim milk
    1 1/2 cup

    fat-free half-and-half
    1 1/2 cup

    low-calorie brown sugar blend, such as Truvia or Splenda
    1/4 cup

    vanilla extract
    1 tsp

    ground cinnamon
    1/2 tsp

    ground nutmeg
    1/4 tsp

    pumpkin seeds (toasted)
    1/2 cup

  • Quinoa Oatmeal

    Quinoa Oatmeal

    How to Make Quinoa Oatmeal

    Adding quinoa to oatmeal boost the fiber and protein in this classic breakfast dish. Make a double batch of this oatmeal and freeze it in single-serving portions for a quick weekday breakfast. Just heat it up in the microwave.


    10 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    4servings


    2/3 cup oatmeal, 2 tbsp raspberries, and 1 tbsp almond

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the milk and water in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

    2. Add the oats, quinoa, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Reduce the heat to low. 

    3. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats and quinoa are tender, about 15 minutes. Serve topped with the raspberries and almonds.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2/3 cup oatmeal, 2 tbsp raspberries, and 1 tbsp almond


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      200

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      125mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      30g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        10g

    • Protein
      9g

    • Potassium
      323mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    skim milk
    2 cup

    water
    1/2 cup

    old-fashioned rolled oats
    3/4 cup

    quinoa
    1/4 cup

    honey
    2 tsp

    ground cinnamon
    1 tsp

    vanilla extract
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/8 tsp

    raspberries
    1/2 cup

    sliced almonds (toasted)
    1/4 cup

  • Tomato & Sweet Onion Stovetop Okra

    Tomato & Sweet Onion Stovetop Okra

    How to Make Tomato & Sweet Onion Stovetop Okra

    Quick, easy, and comforting—this stovetop okra tastes like it’s been stewed for hours , but it’s actually ready in less than 15 minutes! Canned tomatoes with green chiles add flavor and spice, but you could use regular canned diced tomatoes as well. Use frozen okra, sliced or whole, or fresh (fresh will take longer to cook).


    10 min prep time


    12 min cook time


    8servings


    3/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
      Add the onion and cook while stirring until lightly golden,
      about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook while stirring until
      fragrant, about 1 minute.
    2. Stir in thawed okra, canned tomatoes (with liquid), and
      thyme, and cook uncovered until liquids are reduced to desired
      consistency, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      220mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        4g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      340mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    avocado oil or sunflower oil
    1 tbsp

    large Vidalia or other sweet onion
    1

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    frozen cut or whole okra (thawed)
    1 (16-oz) package)

    diced tomatoes with green chilies
    2 (10-oz) cans

    dried thyme
    3/4 tsp

  • Easy Egg Muffins

    Easy Egg Muffins

    How to Make Easy Egg Muffins

    These low-carb egg “muffins” are a simple breakfast, great for meal prepping. They store well in the in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them and store for up to three months. This version call for frozen spinach, but you could use 1 cup of any fresh or frozen vegetables that you have on hand. You can eat these muffins as is, or get creative: make a sandwich with toast or a whole-wheat english muffin; cut in half and make a breakfast burrito with some other favorite fillings; or serve on top of a bed of lettuce for a low-carb, veggie-packed breakfast or lunch.


    10 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    12servings


    1 muffin

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray each cup of a muffin pan with one spray of non-stick cooking spray.

    2. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of the thawed spinach to the bottom of each muffin cup in the muffin tin.

    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, yogurt, salt and pepper. Evenly divide the egg mixture among the 12 muffin cups. Top each egg muffin with 1 teaspoon of parmesan cheese.

    4. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are slightly firm to touch. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

    5. Remove from the muffins from the pan and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    6. To reheat from the refrigerator, place the muffin uncovered on a plate in the microwave for 30 seconds. To reheat from frozen, place the muffin uncovered on a plate in the microwave for 1 minute.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 muffin


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      95mg

      32%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      106mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    frozen spinach (thawed and moisture squeezed out)
    1 cup

    eggs (6 eggs plus 4 egg whites)
    10 whole

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
    1/4 cup

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    1/4 cup

  • Easy Egg Salad

    Easy Egg Salad

    How to Make Easy Egg Salad

     Egg salad is a super-simple and low-carb recipe that taste’s great on it’s own, but also shines in a number of other meals. Perfect for leftovers, it’s also inexpensive and very tasty, so go ahead and make a double batch to have on hand. 

    Serve the salad on a bed of salad greens, on whole grain toast, in a whole grain tortilla wraps, on whole grain crackers, or with whole grain tortilla chips as a snack.


    5 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    6servings


    1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place eggs in a saucepan and ensure they are covered in water. Place saucepan on heat and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover, and let the eggs cook for 9-12 minutes. Place eggs in an ice bath and peel eggs. 

    2. Cut hard boiled eggs in half and remove three of the yolks from the 6 eggs (you should end up with 6 egg whites and 3 egg yolks total). Add to a medium bowl and lightly mash with a fork.

    3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

    4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      190mg

      63%

    • Sodium
      180mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      91mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    light mayonnaise
    1/4 cup

    Dijon Mustard
    1 tsp

    celery (diced)
    1 stalks

    eggs
    6 large

  • Basic Bean Burger

    Basic Bean Burger

    How to Make Basic Bean Burger

    Looking for a tasty, protein-filled burger that’s budget-friendly and perfect for Meatless Mondays? This healthy take on the classic is less expensive, heart-healthy, and ready to go from items you probably already have in the pantry. For more Southwestern flavor with less carbs, serve each bean burger in lettuce wrap topped with 1 tablespoon salsa and an avocado slice. This also makes a great meatless filling for a taco or burrito. But if you want a more classic taste, serve on a whole grain bun with 1 slice of cheddar cheese, a large lettuce leaf, and a thick slice of tomato.


    10 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    8servings


    1 burger

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add 1 1/2 cups of the beans to a large bowl with the onions. With a fork or potato masher, mash until mostly smooth (will be slightly chunky from onions). Note: If you have a food processor, you can blend until smooth then put in a bowl.
    2. Add the remaining beans, the cooked grain, egg, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
    3. Form bean mixture into 8, 1/2-inch thick patties.
    4. Add cooking spray to a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add bean patties and cook about 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly brown. Work in batches if your pan is not big enough to hold all 8 burgers.
    5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or wrap individually in freezer bags or containers and freeze up to 6 months (freeze cooked burgers only, do not freeze the raw burgers).
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 burger


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1.5g

      2%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      25mg

      8%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      24g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      330mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    canned beans (any type) (drained and rinsed)
    2 15-ounce cans

    yellow onion (minced)
    1/2 cup

    cooked whole grain such as brown rice, oatmeal, or quinoa
    1 cup

    eggs
    1 large

    garlic powder
    1 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    ground black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1