Rice, Black Bean, and Feta Salad

I really think this recipe could use some red in it--maybe some tomato or red pepper.  Next time.  Still very good.

Rice, Black Bean, and Feta Salad

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 c. cooked brown rice
1/2 c. celery, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
1/2 c. green onion, diced
3.5 oz crumbled feta cheese
1/2 c. Zesty Italian dressing
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Mix everything together.  Refrigerate for a few hours and enjoy!

Indian Curry

Ryan and I often make Thai curry, but for a change we decided to try out an Indian curry recipe we found in The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook.  Here it is with a few adjustments we made.

Indian Curry

2 t ground cumin
1 t ground coriander
1 t curry powder
1/2 t turmeric
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t cayenne pepper
1 T oilve oil
1 medium onion, diced
Sea salt
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
about 30 baby carrots, sliced
1 can coconut milk
1 T tomato paste
4 c thinly sliced kale

MIx cumin, coriander, curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.  Heat oil in a large skillet.  Saute the onion with a little sea salt for 2-3 minutes.  Add garlic, seasoning mix, and a little sea salt.  Saute for another 2 minutes; then add the chicken.  Saute for another 5 minutes.  Add carrots, coconut milk and tomato paste.  Stir well.  Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add sliced kale.  Stir well and simmer for 5 more minutes.  Add sea salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Fish Tacos

Today was the first day I've ever cooked fish in my life.  I've hated all kinds of seafood for the past 10+ years of my life--mostly I hated the smell of fish.  However, a little over a year ago I decided to give it another chance.  It's a slow process because I'm scared of cooking it, which means I only eat it when we dine out (and then I generally see other items on the menu that sound better) or if a friend/relative makes it for me.  Today I decided to face my fears, and I made these fish tacos using tilapia for lunch.  We were going to use halibut, but couldn't find any fresh at the store.

Fish Tacos

1/2 lb fresh tilapia or halibut fillets, skin removed

1 T olive oil

Marinade:
1 lime, juiced, about 2 to 3 tablespoons
1/2 c wheat-free tamari
1 T Mexican seasoning

Other ingredients: 
Whole wheat or corn tortillas
Guacamole
Fire-roasted salsa or spicy fire-roasted salsa
Thinly sliced romaine lettuce
Shredded Mexican cheese

Cut fish into bite-sized pieces.  Place fish into a small bowl, and add lime juice, tamari, and Mexican seasoning.  Marinade for 30-40 minutes.  Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  When oil is hot, saute fish for 5-6 minutes or until fish is cooked through.  Immediately serve fish in a tortilla topped with guacamole, salsa, lettuce, and cheese.  Enjoy!

Stir-fried Tempeh

Years ago, Pk introduced Ryan to tempeh (see Tempeh).  For the past 6 months, Ryan keeps bringing it up.  I looked at probably 6 or 7 different grocery stores before I finally found some.  I used a recipe from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook with a few alterations.  I really liked the stir-fry, but the tempeh turned out very strong.  I actually marinated mine for about 45 minutes, and I think that was a little long. The flavor was really good though.

Stir-fried Tempeh:

one 8oz package tempeh
3 T balsamic vinegar
2 T tamari (or soy sauce)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 t Italian seasoning
1 t paprika

2 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
1 medium zucchini, chopped into chunks
about 20 baby carrots, chopped in half
1 c artichoke hearts
1 c chopped roma tomatoes
1 c chopped parsley
1/2 c chopped basil

3 c cooked brown rice


Cut the tempeh into bite-sized cubes and place in a bowl.  Add the balsamic vinegar, tamari, garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika.  Marinate for 30 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add tempeh; cook for 5-10 minutes, turning frequently.  Remove tempah from pan and place in a bowl; set aside.  Add onions and carrots to the skillet.  Saute for a few minutes.  Then add the zucchini.  Stir-fry until vegetables are slightly tender.  Add the artichoke hearts, tomatoes, parsley, basil, and cooked tempeh.  Stir-fry until everything is heated through, 2-5 minutes.  Serve over brown rice.

Olive Oil Fries

These fries were so good I almost forgot to take a picture of them.  Ryan and I ate them with baked chicken marinated in Lowry's Caribbean Jerk Marinade.  We used new potatoes, but you can also use russet or sweet potatoes for these fries.

Olive Oil Fries:

• 2 large new potatoes
• 1/8 c. olive oil
• 1/4 t sea salt
• 1/2 t turmeric 
• 1 t garlic powder
• 1/2 T paprika
• Freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Scrub potatoes; then slice them into strips or wedges.  Place them in a large bowl.  Sprinkle with olive oil and seasonings; toss to coat.  Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  Bake until golden and fork tender, 30-40 minutes.  Flip potatoes half-way through.

Tempeh

Get ready, vegetarians (and meat-lovers that are looking for ONE alternative meal)!  I'm making tempeh in the very near future!!!  I want to pre-thank Pk for introducing Ryan to tempeh.  However, if this turns out a disaster, I'm blaming him.

Jalapeno Cheddar Turkey Burgers

As usual, I was craving burgers tonight.  Hadn't had one in over a week.  Ryan and I decided to go with turkey to be a bit healthier.  Then we thought adding some spice would be good...unfortunately the jalapeno we bought was really mild.  But the burgers were still yummy in my tummy!!  I forgot to take a picture of my burger all made up, so I'll try to get one of the leftover tomorrow.

Jalapeno Cheddar Turkey Burgers
Patties:

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1/2 c. shredded cheddar
• Spices--use best judgement:
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• smoked paprika
• chili powder
• sea salt
• pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 4 whole wheat buns
• condiments (ketchup, BBQ, mustard, etc)
• fixings (pickles, lettuce, tomato, etc)

To make the patties, combine all of the patty ingredients.  Divide meat mixture into four balls.  Press each ball into a patty.  Grill until cooked through.  Place on a bun and top with your favorite condiments and burger fixings.