All posts tagged: healthy cooking

Food: Dinner Tonight – Salmon

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I’ve been craving salmon almost every day and normally, I’d oven-grill one with ginger, butter/olive oil, salt/pepper and that’s it. This morning, I found this recipe I want to try, which is very close to the way I grill mine – except there is feta cheese and orzo and a whole bunch of other wonderful components. So, here you go – in case you want to attempt the same recipe for tonight’s dinner: INGREDIENTS 4 (5-6 ounce) salmon fillets 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano) 1 shallot, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1-2 lemons, sliced and seeds removed – use to your taste 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup fresh basil, dill, and or mint, chopped (I use a mix) ORZO SUMMER SALAD 3 cups cooked orzo 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh basil, dill, and or chives, chopped (I use a mix) 1 roasted red pepper, chopped 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas drained 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup green olives 1/2 cup cucumber 1 avocado, diced {more} {featured image and recipe full credit}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken Caesar Salad Altered

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There is at least one day a week, I serve a chicken dish to the family – my mother included. However, when I mention that dinner would be chicken related, she cringes – not sure why. I do ask her, and she says, chicken is good. You do what you think is best. So, this pesto chicken Caesar salad recipe it is with a few alterations to fit our dietary needs: INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 2 cups torn ciabatta bread (no bread for us) 2 cloves garlic, smashed 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size chunks 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper 6 cups shredded romaine lettuce 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature (this may be mozzarella instead) fresh herbs, for serving, such as chives, thyme, and basil PARMESAN TAHINI DRESSING 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil juice of 2 lemons 1/4 cup tahini 2 tablespoons dijon mustard {toss up on the dijon since family not a fan} 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1-2 cloves garlic, grated kosher salt and black pepper 1/3 cup grated parmesan {continued} Question of …

Food: Eggplant Pasta

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Here’s how my Wednesday mornings go – at 5:30 a.m. I start with a larger chain grocery store to purchase all the essentials – which include meat. But for some reason the abundant amount of chicken is no longer the case, nor the free-range and organic versions. Quality beef is scarce and seafood is now more prepackaged.  Which might be an indication that I need to slowly get my family used to eating more plant-based, and less meat or just keep on freaking out until the refrigerator sections are filled again. So an hour ago, I announced to my mother that we are not having meet this coming week and all recipes will be mostly veggie based. She batted her eyes at me, and said – whatever you think is best. Here’s what’s for dinner tonight: Eggplant pasta with not so much spice for the little old lady I refer to as MOM 😉  and lots of Parmesan cheese  – trust me. 2 medium eggplants 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon freshly ground black …

Food: How to Substitude Ingredients and This Recipe

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I have to admit, I switch up ingredients all the time while preparing a meal. For example – I am allergic to soy, so I use Worcestershire sauce instead. I hate the taste of fish, so I never add fish sauce to any Asian dish. So I was glad to find a list of alternatives here, for ingredients. What have you substituted, and share your experience or other recommendations Here’s a recipe for dinner tonight for the family – spicy eggplant pasta    {featured image source}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Korean Chicken Bowl

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And to think I was considering making a simple fajita dish, until I stumbled upon this recipe for sheet pan Korean chicken bowl with sweet potatoes and yum yum sauce and dinner will be a whole kinds of wonderful tonight! INGREDIENTS 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes 3 tablespoon toasted sesame or extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce 3-4 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons honey 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, grated 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch cubes kosher salt and black pepper 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or olive oil mayo 2-3 cups kale, roughly torn juice from 1 lime 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped 3 cups steamed white or brown rice kimichi, avocado, shredded carrots, green onions, sliced cucumbers, and radishes, for serving {more} How do you decide on a recipe? Can you taste the flavors as you read through it or you would have to make it to feel the flavors? 

Food: Dinner Tonight – Pineapple, BBQ Chicken, Quinoa

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I’ve switched gears, just like that, regarding eating less comfort food and more healthy meals. Yes, the weather has been unusually freezing in San Francisco, with the weirdest of storms passing over the city. But my body is in Spring-Summer mode I think and it is craving more veggies, and less starch – so the meal planning begins to satisfy my cravings. Yes folks, the family usually works around my clock – in terms of food. 😉 So, here we go – tonight’s dinner INGREDIENTS 2 pounds  boneless skinless chicken breasts 2  cups BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought (if using store-bought, I like Primal Kitchens BBQ Sauce) 2 tablespoon pineapple juice juice from 2 limes 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks 2 jalapeños, chopped, and seeded if desired 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped kosher salt and pepper 3 cups cooked quinoa or rice  – OR in my case, I prefer cauliflower rice over quinoa 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup fresh basil, and or cilantro leaves, roughly chopped 5 cups shredded romaine lettuce 1 avocado, sliced 4 fresh chives, chopped fried garlic for serving (optional)  {more} On another note – what TV shows are you binge-watching right …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Thai Chicken Noodle

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I’m back from another crazy few days of juggling and the first stop to normality is my blog and need to share what’s for dinner tonight – with cold/hot/warm/freezing/windy temperatures and this is just hour to hour. So here it is – Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen/noodle soup which goes something like this: INGREDIENTS 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons honey (omit from my Keto Diet efforts)  1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 2 red peppers, chopped 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 4 squares ramen noodles  (omit from my Keto Diet efforts) juice of 1 lime 3 cups fresh baby spinach 1/3 cup fresh basil or cilantro, roughly chopped, plus more for serving chopped peanuts and toasted sesame oil, for serving (more)

Food: Dinner Tonight – Roasted Chicken and Burrata

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Here’s what’s happening this week – I have family in town. Which means, there is no deciding or organizing any meal at home. Everything is decided last minute and meals are consumed at any number of wonderful eateries around the city-San Francisco.  Except tonight – where I am left on my own and the meal I prepare will be a healthier variation to the mostly overly salty meals I’ve been having each night since last Thursday.   By the way, this is also the explanation for my lack of posts. I will be on track next week for sure. So, here’s what I’ll be switching up to take my dietary needs into consideration ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS – RECIPE 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (skin on or off, I prefer skin off)  – {sticking to chicken breast, not a fan of thighs} 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour   {Not adding any flour} 4 …

Food: Dinner Tonight: Coconut Curry Noodles or Chicken

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I do love coconut curry or around this time of year, butternut squash curry I normally order from my favorite eatery in the city here, and here.  So, here’s whats happened. I assumed we were finally getting our warmer temperatures in the city, but it turns out, we’ve had nothing but cold windy days, overcast, and definitely the feel of Autumn in the air.  Which of course has me craving soups of sorts – and so this recipe for tonight’s dinner: INGREDIENTS 8 ounces rice noodles  {or I’ll add boiled chicken pieces instead of the rice noodles for my diet} 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 sweet onion, diced 2 zucchini, or summer squash, diced 2 ears sweet corn kernels, removed from the cob 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 2-3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce (soy sauce for vegan option)   {not a fan of fish sauce so that will be omitted} 2 teaspoons honey   {not necessary, but it’s all up to you} juice and zest from 1/2 a lime 1/4 cup fresh cilantro OR basil, roughly chopped (use you personal favorite) sliced …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Skillet Chicken and Peaches

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Growing up in a Mediterranean home meant, fresh seasonal fruits were used to create the most interesting of meals and the tastiest fruit salads to indulge. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found this recipe – which in addition to reminding me of my childhood – is going to be the most talked about dish in our household. In a good way, I can assure you.  Also, pretty Keto friendly if you leave out the rice pilaf I’d consider pairing up with this meal. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika zest and juice of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth 2 peaches, sliced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {more}