Tag: dinner

  • Butternut Squash Stew with Chickpeas

    Butternut Squash Stew with Chickpeas

    How to Make Butternut Squash Stew with Chickpeas

    This hearty stew features butternut squash, a type of winter squash that comes into season during the cooler months of the year. Make this on the weekend and pack the leftovers for lunch during the week.


    25 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    8servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Prepare the butternut squash. Place the whole squash on the floor or rack of a microwave oven. Microwave the squash for 5 minutes. Carefully remove and let cool until it’s cool enough to handle. With a sharp knife, cut the squash in half crosswise. Peel the skin off each half with the knife, cutting close to remove the skin only. Cut each half lengthwise. Remove the squash seeds from the bottom half of the squash and discard. Cut all the squash into 1-inch chunks. Set aside. This process makes cutting tough butternut squash easier as it helps loosen the skin.
    2. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5-6 minutes. Add the butternut squash and potatoes and stir to coat with the onions and garlic. Add the broth, tomatoes with juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, until squash and potatoes are tender. Some of the squash may become very soft.
    3. Gently mix the chickpeas and peanut butter and cook for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      210mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      28g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      6g

    Ingredients

    medium butternut squash
    1

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    large onion (chopped)
    1

    garlic (minced)
    3 clove

    small red potatoes (unpeeled and cut into quarters)
    1/2 lbs

    low sodium chicken broth (low-fat, reduced-sodium)
    1 cup

    tomato(es) (14-ounce, diced, (try fire roasted for more flavor), undrained)
    1 can

    dried oregano (dried)
    3/4 tsp

    kosher salt, to taste
    1

    Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    1

    chickpeas (garbanzo beans) (15-ounce, drained and rinsed)
    1 can

    natural creamy peanut butter (stirred well until smooth)
    2 tbsp

    parsley (chopped)
    2 tbsp

  • Budget-Friendly Veggie Burgers with Mango Slaw

    Budget-Friendly Veggie Burgers with Mango Slaw

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Veggie Burgers with Mango Slaw

    Serve this vegetarian dish with sliced tomato and fresh mozzarella salad.


    20 min prep time


    16 min cook time


    6servings


    1 burger with 1/4 cup slaw

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Coat a large non-stick sauté pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

    2. Combine cannellini beans, onion, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oatmeal, Montreal steak seasoning and salt (optional) in a food processor. Pulse several times until mixture is combined but not a paste.

    3. Divide burger mixture into 6 equal portions, form into patties.

    4. Heat prepared sauté pan over medium high heat. Sauté burgers on each side 6-8 minutes. Set aside.

    5. In a large bowl, combine shredded mango, coleslaw mix, rice wine vinegar and olive oil. Toss to coat.

    6. Add a burger to a lettuce leaf, top with 3/4 cup coleslaw mixture.

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 burger with 1/4 cup slaw


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      400mg

      17%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      35g

      13%

      • Dietary Fiber
        7g

        25%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      376mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
    1 (15-oz) can

    onion(s) (diced)
    1/2 cup

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    white (button) mushrooms (diced)
    1 cup

    shredded carrots
    1

    Worcestershire sauce
    1 tbsp

    lower sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    quick cooking oats
    1 cup

    steak seasoning
    2 tsp

    unripe mango (peeled, seeded and shredded)
    1

    packaged coleslaw mix
    1 (9-oz) bag

    rice wine vinegar
    2 tbsp

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    large lettuce leaves
    6

  • Bulgogi (Grilled Korean Beef)

    Bulgogi (Grilled Korean Beef)

    How to Make Bulgogi (Grilled Korean Beef)

    The marinade for this grilled beef is super easy to throw together. This recipe calls for beef tenderloin, which is a lean cut.


    35 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    3 ounces beef + 4 ounces veggies

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Wrap the beef in plastic wrap and freeze until firm (but not rock hard). Once firm, slice the beef thinly into long strips. Place in a baking dish.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together the scallions, garlic, rice wine vinegar, water, soy sauce, sweetener (honey or sugar substitute), and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. While the beef is marinating, preheat an indoor or outdoor grill.
    3. Remove the beef from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. Grill beef for 2-3 minutes on each side or until it is cooked to a medium-well doneness.
    4. Steam the vegetables and serve the beef over the steamed vegetables.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 ounces beef + 4 ounces veggies


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.6g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      45mg

      15%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      13g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      17g

    • Potassium
      460mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    lean boneless beef tenderloin
    12 oz

    green onion (scallion) ((white and green parts), chopped)
    3

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    rice wine vinegar
    2 tsp

    water
    2 tbsp

    lower sodium soy sauce
    3 tbsp

    honey or 2 packets sugar substitute
    1 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    frozen stir-fry vegetables
    1 (16-oz) bag

  • Budget-Friendly Tuna Pasta Salad

    Budget-Friendly Tuna Pasta Salad

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Tuna Pasta Salad

    You could try this tuna salad without the pasta and serve it on whole-grain bread, a tortilla or on a bed of lettuce. This quick and budget-friendly meal makes a healthy lunch or dinner.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    1 ½ cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water.
    2. In a medium bowl combine remaining ingredients. Add pasta and toss to coat. Serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 ½ cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      245

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      465mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      31g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      22g

    • Potassium
      640mg

      14%

    Ingredients

    uncooked quinoa pasta
    2 cup

    celery (diced)
    2 stalks

    carrot(s) (diced)
    2

    red pepper (diced)
    1/2

    onion(s) (diced)
    1/4

    green olives (diced (optional))
    1/4 cup

    flavor fresh tuna (pouch in water)
    11 oz

    Greek yogurt (fat-free, plain)
    1/4 cup

    light mayonnaise
    3 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Budget-Friendly Summer Vegetable Frittata

    Budget-Friendly Summer Vegetable Frittata

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Summer Vegetable Frittata

    This frittata is a great way to get more veggies into your day and can be enjoyed for brunch or dinner. By using a combination of egg whites and whole eggs, you cut back on some of the saturated fat and cholesterol.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    2 slices

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add olive oil to an oven safe, non-stick, sauté pan over medium high heat.
    3. Add mushrooms and sauté until all of the liquid from the mushrooms is evaporated.
    4. Add bell pepper, onion and spinach and sauté until vegetables are softened and liquid is evaporated.
    5. Whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, salt (optional), pepper, cayenne pepper and basil in a medium bowl. Pour over vegetables and stir until eggs start to set.
    6. Smooth the top of the frittata with a spatula, and put in oven to bake for 20 minutes or until eggs are set.
    7. Slide the frittata out of the pan onto a plate and slice into 8 pie slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 slices


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      95mg

      32%

    • Sodium
      420mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      11g

    • Potassium
      550mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    white (button) mushrooms (diced)
    8 oz

    medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1

    small onion (diced)
    1

    spinach
    3 cup

    eggs
    2

    egg whites
    5

    skim milk
    1/4 cup

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    cayenne pepper
    1/4 tsp

    fresh basil (chopped)
    1 tbsp

  • Budget-Friendly Vegetable Stew with Whole Wheat Dumplings

    Budget-Friendly Vegetable Stew with Whole Wheat Dumplings

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Vegetable Stew with Whole Wheat Dumplings

    What’s better during the fall than a warm, tasty soup? This budget-friendly recipe is fairly easy.


    20 min prep time


    50 min cook time


    8servings


    1 1/2 cups stew + 1 dumpling

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
    2. Add fennel, onion and celery to oil and sauté until onions turn clear (around 4-5 minutes). Add butternut squash, sage, chicken broth, water, salt (optional), black pepper and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
    3. Simmer stew for 20 minutes, then add kale and simmer 10 more minutes.
    4. While stew is simmering, whisk together all dumpling ingredients to form a stiff batter. Set aside.
    5. After kale simmers for 10 minutes remove bay leaf.
    6. Use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop dumplings on top of stew to make 8 dumplings. Do not stir once dumplings have been added to the top of the stew. Cover and reduce to a low simmer for 10 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and puffed.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups stew + 1 dumpling


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      25mg

      8%

    • Sodium
      470mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      31g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      9g

    • Potassium
      710mg

      15%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    fennel bulb (diced)
    1

    onion(s) (diced)
    1

    celery (diced)
    2 stalks

    butternut squash (diced)
    4 cup

    ground sage
    1 tsp

    low sodium chicken broth (low-sodium)
    4 cup

    water
    4 cup

    salt (optional)
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    bay leaves
    2

    kale (chopped, 1 bunch stemmed and chopped)
    4 cup

    whole wheat flour
    1 cup

    all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup

    baking powder
    1 tbsp

    salt (optional)
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    herbs d’provence ((or dried sage))
    1 tsp

    large egg
    1

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt (non-fat)
    1/2 cup

    water
    1/2 cup

    water
    1/2 cup

  • Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

    Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

    No time to cook? Try this slow-cooker chicken for dinner. The sweet potatoes, Dijon mustard and brown sugar make for a unique and tasty flavor. Adding a side of simple steamed broccoli and cauliflower makes this a complete meal that requires less than 15 minutes of active prep time.


    15 min prep time


    6 hr cook time


    4servings


    1 chicken thigh with 2-3 sweet potato rounds and 1 cup broccoli and cauliflower mix

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place chicken in a slow cooker. Top chicken with onions and sweet potatoes.
    2. Add the chicken broth, brown sugar blend, thyme, mustard, and bay leaf. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is done.
    3. Remove bay leaf and serve with broccoli and cauliflower.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken thigh with 2-3 sweet potato rounds and 1 cup broccoli and cauliflower mix


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      95mg

      32%

    • Sodium
      380mg

      17%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      29g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      28g

    • Potassium
      750mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    1 lbs

    onion (chopped)
    1

    large sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into large rounds)
    1 lbs

    low sodium chicken broth
    1 1/2 cup

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    3 tbsp

    dried thyme
    1/4 tsp

    Dijon Mustard
    2 tbsp

    bay leaves
    1

    fresh or frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets (steamed)
    4 cup

  • Budget-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

    Budget-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

    Make this whole dish the night before and hold in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Just heat them up in the oven or in the microwave and you’ll have dinner for the whole family in no time. They’re also delicious when eaten cold!


    20 min prep time


    1 hr 15 min cook time


    6servings


    1 stuffed pepper

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add lentils, water, ginger, garlic and turmeric to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, partially covered for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
    3. While lentils are cooking, mix ground chicken, cilantro, salt, ground black pepper and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.
    4. Cut the tops off of the peppers and cut out seed pod (save the tops). Clean out the ribs and any seeds from the inside of the peppers and line the peppers cut side up in a baking dish. Set the tops off to the side. (Note: If the peppers won’t sit upright, trim just a little bit off the bottom of the peppers to even it out so it will sit up straight. Try not to cut a hole in the bottom so the mixture inside does not fall out).
    5. Once the lentils have cooled, stir them in to the chicken mixture and mix well to incorporate.
    6. Fill each pepper with the chicken and lentil mixture but do not pack the mixture in tightly. Just gently fill to the top.
    7. Place each pepper top back on to the peppers filled with the chicken and lentil mixture, then pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
    8. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the chicken mixture is 165 degrees.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 stuffed pepper


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      230

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      55mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      290mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        9g

        32%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      930mg

      20%

    Ingredients

    red or brown lentils
    1 cup

    water
    2 cup

    fresh ginger (grated)
    1 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    turmeric
    1 tsp

    lean ground chicken
    1 lbs

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    cayenne pepper
    1/4 tsp

    small bell peppers ((any color or assorted colors))
    6

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

  • Budget-Friendly Roasted Veggie Tacos

    Budget-Friendly Roasted Veggie Tacos

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Roasted Veggie Tacos

    Trying to eat a meatless, veggie-packed meal once a week? This recipe gives you all the flavor of tacos, but with so much more fiber and vegetables. Top them with avocado slices for extra flavor if you’d like.


    35 min prep time


    8servings


    1 taco

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

    2. Place zucchini, carrots, onions, and red pepper on baking sheet. Add olive oil and garlic; toss to coat. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven.

    3. While vegetables are baking, heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add tomato and sauté for 1 minute. Add beans, chili powder, cumin and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Add cooked vegetables to pan and mix well.

    4. Serve 1/2 cup veggie mixture in each taco and top with lettuce and cheese.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 taco


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      27g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        6g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      489mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    zucchini (small dice)
    2 med

    carrots (small dice)
    5 med

    onion(s) (small dice)
    1 small

    red bell pepper (small dice)
    1 med

    olive oil
    1 1/2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    tomato(es) (seeded and diced)
    1 med

    pinto beans (15-ounce, rinsed and drained)
    1 can

    chili powder (Plus 1 teaspoon)
    1 tbsp

    cumin
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    corn tortillas (6-inch)
    8 whole

    lettuce (shredded)
    1 cup

    queso fresco ((or reduced-fat shredded cheddar))
    1/2 cup

  • Budget-Friendly Salmon Burgers

    Budget-Friendly Salmon Burgers

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Salmon Burgers

    These burgers are a good way to spice up your menu! They are packed with heart-healthy salmon, plus some veggies. To keep the carbohydrate count low, these are served over bibb lettuce instead of on a bun. Serve these burgers with a green salad drizzled with a sesame ginger vinaigrette for a light, refreshing meal.


    15 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    6servings


    1 salmon burger

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. Place the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and Thai curry paste in a large food processor and blend until smooth.
    3. Add the salmon and puree until smooth. Add the egg and cilantro and puree until incorporated.
    4. Scoop the mixture in 1/2 cup portions onto the baking sheet and press lightly to form a patty. Repeat to make 6 patties.
    5. Spray the top of each patty with cooking spray and bake for 15 minutes.
    6. Serve each salmon burger in a lettuce leaf and top each with 1 Tbsp. sliced scallions.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 salmon burger


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      70mg

      23%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      19g

    • Potassium
      390mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    small onion (chopped)
    1/2

    garlic (chopped)
    1 clove

    red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
    1

    Thai red curry paste
    1 tbsp

    salmon (skinless, cut into chunks)
    1 lbs

    eggs
    1

    fresh cilantro
    1/4 cup

    lettuce leaves
    6

    green onion (scallion) (thinly sliced)
    2