Tag: vegetarian

  • Instant Pot Almond-Toffee Topped Pears

    Instant Pot Almond-Toffee Topped Pears

    How to Make Instant Pot Almond-Toffee Topped Pears

    Toast, poach, and simmer—everything you need to do to make this tasty dessert you can do in the Instant Pot! Sugar-free candies are used to create a rich toffee sauce to top these cinnamon poached pears. It may look fancy, but this dessert comes together in under 20 minutes.

    Find this recipe and more in The Instant Pot Diabetes Cookbook

    Find more diabetes-friendly Instant Pot recipes here.

     


    15 min prep time


    11 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 pear

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Press the Sauté button on the multicooker. When the pot is hot, add the almonds and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool, then coarsely chop.
    2. In a small bowl, add the chopped almonds, crushed candies, and salt. Set aside.
    3. Place the water, juice, and cinnamon stick in the multicooker pot. Place the steamer basket in the pot and arrange the pears on top of it.
    4. Seal the lid, close the valve, and press the Cancel button. Select Manual and cook for 2 minutes. (If you prefer a very tender pear, cook an additional minute.) Use a quick pressure release.
    5. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the steamer basket and pears. Place the pears, cut side up, in four dessert bowls. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
    6. Press the Cancel button, then press the Sauté button. Bring the liquid in the pot to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced to ¼ cup. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and almond-candy mixture. Cook for 30 seconds, or until the toffee has melted, stirring constantly.
    7. Working quickly, spoon about 4 tsp of the toffee sauce into the center of each pear half.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 pear


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.9g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      80mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      170mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    slivered almonds
    1/4 cup

    sugar-free caramel-flavored hard candies (such as Werther’s) (crushed)
    8

    salt
    1 pinch

    water
    3/4 cup

    apple juice
    1/4 cup

    cinnamon stick
    1

    firm pears (peeled, halved lengthwise, and cored)
    2

    light butter with canola oil
    1 tsp

    vanilla extract
    1/2 tsp

  • Instant Pot Vegetarian Thai Mushroom Soup

    Instant Pot Vegetarian Thai Mushroom Soup

    How to Make Instant Pot Vegetarian Thai Mushroom Soup

    Instead of ordering takeout, make a healthier version of this classic Thai soup at home in your Instant Pot! This vegan soup gets it’s rich creaminess from coconut milk. It’s also loaded with vegetables to make a hearty soup perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Best of all, the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking time, so it’s ready in less than 30 minutes, but tastes like it’s been cooking all day!

    Find more diabetes-friendly Instant Pot recipes here.

     

     


    10 min prep time


    16 mintues cook time


    4servings


    1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the mushrooms, frozen vegetables, chickpeas, tomatoes, water, sriracha, and cumin in the multicooker pot.
    2. Seal the lid and close the valve. Select Manual and cook for 8 minutes. Use a quick pressure release.
    3. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid and stir in the remaining ingredients. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve warm.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      240

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        4.8g

        24%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      440mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      35g

      13%

      • Dietary Fiber
        7g

        25%
      • Total Sugars
        13g

    • Protein
      12g

    • Potassium
      930mg

      20%

    Ingredients

    sliced mushrooms, preferably cremini (baby bella)
    8 oz

    frozen pepper-and-onion blend
    2 cup

    no-salt-added chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
    1 (15-oz) can

    no-salt-added diced tomatoes
    1 (14.5-oz) can

    water
    1/2 cup

    sriracha
    1 tbsp

    ground cumin
    1/2 tsp

    lite coconut milk
    1 1/2 cup

    chopped fresh cilantro
    1/2 cup

    sugar
    1 tbsp

    grated fresh ginger
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos

    How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos

    The air fryer makes it easy to make crispy homemade sweet potato chips that are low in fat. Topping these veggie-rich nachos with frozen chopped vegetables makes it quick and easy to prepare this dish that can serve as an appetizer for a crowd, or a vegetarian entree.


    12 min prep time


    22 min cook time


    4servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the sweet potato slices evenly in the air fryer basket. Spray with nonstick cooking spray for 1 second. Spoon the frozen vegetables evenly over the potatoes. Place the jalapeño over the vegetables, skin side up. Spray with nonstick cooking spray for 1 second.
    2. Set the temperature to 375° F and air fry for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked. They should be tender but crisp, not soft. Remove the jalapeño pepper and place it in a bowl; cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let stand for 5 minutes.
    3. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the vegetables. Air fry for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
    4. Using the tip of a sharp knife, remove the browned or charred skin from the jalapeño pepper. Finely chop the pepper.
    5. Using a spatula, lift the potatoes and vegetables out of the air fryer basket and arrange in an even layer on a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped jalapeño over the vegetables. Top with the salsa, radishes, tomatoes, and lettuce. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      180mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      450mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    medium sweet potato (sliced into 1/8-inch thick chips)
    1

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    frozen pepper-and-onion blend (partially thawed and drained)
    1 1/2 cup

    jalapeño pepper (split lengthwise and seeded)
    1

    reduced-fat shredded cheddar or Mexican-style cheese
    1/4 cup

    salsa
    1/4 cup

    julienned or thinly sliced radishes
    2/3 cup

    cherry tomatoes (cut into fourths)
    4

    shredded romaine lettuce
    1/2 cup

    light sour cream
    2 tbsp

    minced fresh cilantro
    1 tbsp

  • Air Fryer Spicy Green Beans

    Air Fryer Spicy Green Beans

    How to Make Air Fryer Spicy Green Beans

    Spice up your green beans with this air fried dish that can serve as a low-carb appetizer, snack, or side dish. Crispy panko and spicy chili paste add flavor and crunch. Cooking in the air fryer gives you the satisfying crunch of fried food, without all the added fat of deep frying.

    Click here for more air fryer recipes!

     

     


    10 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the green beans in a medium bowl and toss with the olive oil, chili garlic paste, panko bread crumbs, and salt.
    2. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400° F and air fry for 4 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket. Air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Serve warm.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      115mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    fresh green beans (trimmed)
    12 oz

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    Thai-style chili garlic paste
    1 tsp

    whole-wheat panko bread crumbs
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

  • Instant Pot Asian Spaghetti Squash

    Instant Pot Asian Spaghetti Squash

    How to Make Instant Pot Asian Spaghetti Squash

    Spaghetti squash is a great low-carb alternative to grain-based noodles, especially in Asian dishes where it’s light texture is similar to glass or rice noodles. Ginger, lime, and edamame create a light and refreshing flavor in this dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold as leftovers the next day.

    Spaghetti squash can take a long time to cook in the oven, but the Instant Pot cooks the squash in a fraction of the time. Prepare the vegetables while the squash cooks, and this recipe can go from pantry to plate in just about 30 minutes!

    Find more diabetes-friendly Instant Pot recipes here.


    20 min prep time


    17 min cook time


    6servings


    About 1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Pierce the squash over the entire surface with the tip of a sharp knife. Place in the microwave and set on high for 2 minutes. Using 2 dish towels or pot holders, carefully remove the squash from the microwave (it will be hot). Cut the squash in half crosswise, not lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and connecting strands with a spoon.
    2. Place the water and a trivet in the Instant Pot. Place the 2 squash halves on the trivet. Seal the lid, close the valve, and set the Manual/Pressure Cook button to 7 minutes.
    3. Use a quick pressure release. Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, juice of 1 of the limes, sugar, ginger, and crushed pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk until well blended and set aside.
    4. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the squash halves and place on a cutting board. Remove the trivet.
    5. Press the Cancel button and set to Sauté. Then press the Adjust button to “More” or “High.” Add the edamame to the water, bring to a boil, and boil for 2 minutes. Drain well.
    6. To create long spaghetti squash strands, run a fork around the outer edges of the squash to release the strands, rather than “raking through” the strands.
    7. Place the squash in a large serving bowl or divide among 6 individual bowls. Top the squash evenly with the edamame, carrots, and green onion, spoon the soy sauce mixture evenly over all, and sprinkle with the nuts and cilantro. Do not stir. Cut the remaining lime into 6 wedges and serve with the squash to squeeze over all.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      About 1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      320mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      21g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        9g

    • Protein
      10g

    • Potassium
      820mg

      17%

    Ingredients

    spaghetti squash
    1 (about 3 lbs)

    water
    1 cup

    lower sodium soy sauce
    3 tbsp

    limes
    2

    sugar
    4 tsp

    grated fresh ginger
    1 tbsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/8 tsp

    frozen shelled edamame
    12 oz

    matchstick carrots
    1 cup

    chopped green onion
    1/2 cup

    unsalted peanuts or slivered almonds (chopped)
    2 oz

    chopped fresh cilantro
    1/2 cup

  • Instant Pot Lentils and Poached Eggs

    Instant Pot Lentils and Poached Eggs

    How to Make Instant Pot Lentils and Poached Eggs

    Zesty lentils pair beautifully with a creamy poached egg in this dish that is great anytime of day! Enjoy it in the morning for a high-fiber, high-protein breakfast that will leave you full until lunchtime. For an even quicker and easier meal, make the lentils ahead of time. You can poach the eggs in the Instant Pot in the time it takes to reheat the lentils in the microwave!

    Find more diabetes-friendly Instant Pot recipes here.


    13 min prep time


    19 min cook time


    4servings


    3/4 cup lentil mixture with 1 egg

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the lentils, bay leaves, and 2 cups of the water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid, close the valve, and set the Manual/Pressure Cook button to 7 minutes.
    2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the oil, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and 1/4 tsp of the salt. Set aside.
    3. Coat 4 (6-oz) ramekins with cooking spray and crack 1 egg into each ramekin. Set aside.
    4. Use a quick pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid and drain the lentils, (discarding the lentil water and 2 bay leaves). Return the lentils to the Instant Pot with the spinach and 1/4 tsp of the salt. Toss until the spinach is just wilted and divide it between 4 soup bowls. Cover to keep warm.
    5. Add 1 cup of water to the pot, add a trivet and 3 ramekins. Stack the 4th ramekin on top of the other ramekins. Seal the lid, close the valve, press the Cancel button, and reset the Manual/Pressure Cook button to 1 minute.
    6. Use a natural pressure release for 1 minute, followed by a quick pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the ramekins and drain off any excess water that may have accumulated while cooking. Carefully run a knife around outer edges of each egg to release from the ramekin easily.
    7. Spoon equal amounts of the oil mixture on top of each serving of lentils and top with the eggs. Sprinkle with black pepper.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup lentil mixture with 1 egg


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      15g

      19%

      • Saturated Fat
        3g

        15%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      185mg

      62%

    • Sodium
      390mg

      17%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        9g

        32%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      16g

    • Potassium
      590mg

      13%

    Ingredients

    dried green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
    3/4 cup

    bay leaves
    2

    water (divided)
    3 cup

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
    1

    finely chopped fresh parsley
    1 tbsp

    salt (divided)
    1/2 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    eggs
    4

    baby spinach
    4 cup

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Penne with Eggplant-Tomato Sauce

    Penne with Eggplant-Tomato Sauce

    How to Make Penne with Eggplant-Tomato Sauce

    AKA Pasta Alla Norma, this is a traditional first course offered throughout Italy. Norma was the name of an opera by Bellini that was popular when poet, writer, and scholar Nino Martoglio was so impressed by the dish that he declared it a masterpiece, like the opera. This dish is so loved that other noteworthy acts are now referred to as “alla Norma,” meaning “successful” or “grandiose,” in some parts of Sicily. This is one of my family’s favorite dishes.


    5 min prep time


    40 min cook time


    8servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat broiler. Using a sharp knife, slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices, and place on a baking sheet. Brush the eggplant with 2 Tbsp olive oil, then broil for 5–7 minutes per side until they are dark gold and cooked through. Set aside to cool. (This step can be done a day in advance.)

    2. Heat remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until it begins to release its aroma, but do not allow garlic to turn color.

    3. Pour in tomatoes, and stir. Add crushed red pepper, basil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

    4. When eggplant is cool enough to handle, stack three slices together, and chop into dime-size pieces. Repeat until all eggplant is chopped.

    5. While sauce is still cooking, bring a gallon of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

    6. After sauce has cooked for 20 minutes, turn off heat, remove lid, and add eggplant pieces and cheese. Stir well. Cover, and simmer sauce over medium heat until pasta is done cooking (10–12 minutes).

    7. Drain pasta. Toss in sauce to coat. Serve hot garnished with chopped basil (if desired).

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.5g

        13%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      250mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      46g

      17%

      • Dietary Fiber
        8g

        29%
      • Total Sugars
        8g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      11g

    • Potassium
      760mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    large eggplants
    2 (about 2 lb total)

    olive oil (divided)
    1/4 cup

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    no-salt-added strained tomatoes or tomato puree
    1 (26-oz) box or can

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1 tsp

    fresh basil (roughly torn)
    6 sprig

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    to taste

    dried whole-wheat penne rigate, or gluten-free pasta
    3/4 lbs

    grated pecorino Romano cheese
    1/2 cup

  • Cucumber Guacamole

    Cucumber Guacamole

    How to Make Cucumber Guacamole

    Who doesn’t love a great guac? While avocados are so good for us and we can enjoy them on a daily basis, minding the serving size is key. Whenever I make guacamole, I try to complement the avocado with a vegetable to bulk it up and reduce the amount of avocado in the recipe. Cucumber is great because it is refreshing and does not alter the flavor. Zucchini would be great too. Serve with sliced radishes or jicama instead of tortilla chips for a low carb snack or appetizer.


    10 min prep time


    6servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Coarsely mash the avocado in a medium bowl. Add the tomato, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, jalapeño, and salt until well mixed. Serve with sliced radishes for dipping, if desired.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      45

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      100mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      210mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    Hass avocado (pitted and cubed)
    1

    tomato (diced)
    1

    English (seedless) cucumber (finely chopped)
    1/2 (about 4 oz)

    chopped fresh cilantro
    2 tbsp

    lime juice
    1 tbsp

    white wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    jalapeño pepper (minced)
    1/2

    salt
    1/4 tsp

  • Tropical Kale Quinoa Salad

    Tropical Kale Quinoa Salad

    How to Make Tropical Kale Quinoa Salad

    This is a great side for those who like a little sweet in an otherwise savory dish. You can make this dish ahead of time and serve it warm or cold.


    15 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    4servings


    3/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the quinoa, kale mixture, coconut and almonds, and the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. Scoop equal amounts into bowls and serve warm or cold, according to your preference.
    2. Place the coconut and almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 6 minutes. Stir every 2 minutes to prevent burning.
    3. Heat the oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the kale and pineapple chunks for about 4 minutes.
    4. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions, omitting any added salt.
    5. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      230

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      11g

      14%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      20mg

      <1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      30g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      520mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    orange juice
    3 tbsp

    chopped fresh ginger
    1 tbsp

    green onions (chopped)
    2

    slivered almonds
    1/4 cup

    unsweetened coconut flakes
    2 tbsp

    canned no-sugar-added pineapple chunks in juice
    1/2 (20-oz) can

    chopped fresh kale
    6 cup

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    dry tricolor quinoa
    1/2 cup

  • Spinach, Avocado, and Summer Berry Salad

    Spinach, Avocado, and Summer Berry Salad

    How to Make Spinach, Avocado, and Summer Berry Salad

    This superfood salad is packed with antioxidants and bright, summery flavors. Pair it with a grilled chicken dish, like these Grilled Lime Chicken Fajitas, or fish, like this Grilled Salmon with Mango and Tomato Salsa.

    Looking for an easier way to make salad dressing? Add all of the dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid. Screw the lid on tightly and shake well until everything is combined. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until right before serving.

     


    15 min prep time


    8servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the spinach, strawberries, blueberries, avocado, and onion in a large salad bowl.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, lime juice, garlic, and black pepper.
    3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      90

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.9g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      30mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      350mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    fresh baby spinach
    10 oz

    diced or sliced strawberries
    1 cup

    blueberries
    1/2 cup

    avocado (diced)
    1

    finely diced or sliced red onion
    1/3 cup

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    white balsamic or champagne vinegar
    2 tbsp

    honey
    1 tsp

    lime (juiced)
    1/2 large

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp