Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Prep time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Chill Time: 3 hours

Ingredients

1 cup dry bulgur wheat
1 cup hot water
1⁄2 cucumber, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped mint (or cilantro)
1 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

DRESSING
1⁄4 cup lemon juice (or vinegar or half of each)
2 Tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and soak in the hot water until the water is absorbed, (about 30 minutes). When it's ready, drain any excess water.
2. Mix the dressing Ingredients together. Set aside.
3. Chop the vegetables and add to the prepared bulgur. 
4. Add dressing to salad and stir. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and serve chilled.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Top with plain yogurt.
• Add other chopped veggies including red or green peppers, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), grated carrots, or summer squash.
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.
• Serve as a side dish or serve on lettuce leaves or make sandwiches with whole wheat or pocket (pita) bread.

Mashed Turnips and Potatoes

Mashed Turnips and Potatoes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound turnips, peeled and diced
1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
1⁄4 cup light sour cream or buttermilk
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Boil turnips and potatoes in enough water to cover until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain vegetables and mash.
3. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Serve hot.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Fiesta Barley Salad

Fiesta Barley Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry barley
3 cups water
1⁄4 cup raisins, or other dried fruit
1 cup frozen peas, or other vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned and drained)
3 cups lettuce, washed and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced thin (can use any onions)
1 Tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or any others)
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Place barley and water in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Bring to boil, then turn to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes.
2. Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
3. Add remaining Ingredients. Mix well.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try substituting different fruits and vegetables

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
2 cups sliced onions
2 pounds winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes (4 generous cups)
2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced, or 1 can (15 ounces) sliced pears, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 Tablespoons coarsely chopped, peeled fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook, stirring constantly until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add squash, pears, garlic, ginger and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
4. Add broth and water; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until squash is tender, 35-45 minutes.
6. Puree soup, in batches if necessary, in a blender. (If using a blender, follow manufacturer’s Directions for pureeing hot liquids.)
7. Return soup to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice.
8. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of yogurt.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut bite-sized
1 onion, chopped
1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder or 6 cloves garlic
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth (see Notes)
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped mild green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) nonfat sour cream
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan; sauté the chicken, onion and garlic powder until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. 
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, for 30 minutes. 
4. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and milk.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use turkey instead of chicken. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Spring Fling Chowder

Spring Fling Chowder

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups fresh or frozen asparagus, chopped into small pieces
1 large potato, peeled and diced
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or use water) (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 cup peas, frozen or canned and drained
salt and pepper to taste
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Sauté onion, asparagus and potato until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Add chicken or vegetable broth and corn. Cover and simmer until potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add peas and simmer 2 to 3 more minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Top with cheese and serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Leave skin on potato for added fiber.
• Try using fresh or frozen broccoli instead of asparagus.
• Try using canned green beans or diced tomatoes instead of peas.

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 package (1.25 ounce) taco seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and oregano
1 cup instant brown rice
1⁄3 cup salsa
1⁄2 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
1⁄2 cup black beans drained and rinsed

Directions

1. Bring the vegetable broth and seasonings to boil in a medium saucepan (2 to 3 quarts).
2. Add the rice, salsa, corn and beans. Turn heat to low, cover pot, and let cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.
3. Gently stir before serving.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Substitute 1 1/3 cups of Farmers Market Salsa in place of the last three Ingredients.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons margarine
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon curry powder
3 cups vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 Tablespoon honey
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
fresh or frozen chives (optional)

Directions

1. In 4 quart (or larger) saucepan, sauté the mushrooms and onion in margarine until tender. Stir in the flour and curry powder until blended. Gradually add the broth.
2. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
3. Add the pumpkin, milk, honey, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; heat through.
4. Garnish with chives if desired.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try substituting cooked winter squash or cooked pumpkin for canned pumpkin. Mash and measure out 2 cups for soup.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (try penne)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
10 ounces frozen spinach
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low (250 degrees in an electric skillet) until soft.
3. Add spinach, tomatoes with juice, drained beans, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture bubbles, cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.
4. Add drained pasta and parmesan to spinach mixture. Toss well and serve.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute cleaned and chopped fresh spinach (about 6 cups).
• Try other greens, such as Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach. Be sure to clean greens well and cook them until soft.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)

Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 pound red potatoes (about 3-4 cups chopped)
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
6 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/2 head)
1 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Scrub potatoes but do not peel. Cut into quarters. Cook in boiling water or steam until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. While potatoes cook, heat butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook until it becomes clear, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage begins to brown, about 4-6 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add milk, salt and pepper. Cover and cook until cabbage is tender, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Drain potatoes. Add cabbage mixture to potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or large fork to reach desired texture. Serve warm.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Spicy Rice Casserole

Spicy Rice Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bell or jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 Tablespoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup (3 ounces) shredded low fat cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
2. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
3. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
• Try ground turkey in place of beef.

Savory Turnips

Savory Turnips

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 teaspoons margarine or butter
3 medium turnips, peeled and diced
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup broth (try chicken or vegetable)
1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice
4 1⁄2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
1⁄8 teaspoon salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in margarine until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add turnips and sugar. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid evaporates and the turnips are tender (about 30 to 40 minutes).
4. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Sautéed Leeks and Apples

Sautéed Leeks and Apples

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 medium leek, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 teaspoons oil
2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1 Tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vinegar
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Sauté leeks in oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add apples and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until apples begin to soften (about 3 minutes).
3. Remove from heat. Add honey, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all Ingredients. Serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Sesame Broccoli

Sesame Broccoli

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
3 cups chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon vinegar or water
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon corn starch
1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Toast sesame seeds (if using) in a dry skillet on medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
2. In a medium skillet, sauté broccoli in oil over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine water, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Add the sauce mixture to the broccoli in the skillet. Stir and cook until broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (optional). Serve.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli
1 1⁄2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, toast sesame seeds in a 1 quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook until light brown.
3. Mix together sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in small bowl. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add garlic and broccoli, and cook on medium until soft.
5. Add chicken and cook until heated through.
6. Add drained pasta and soy sauce mixture and mix well. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute diced tofu or a can of drained garbanzo beans for chicken.
• No broccoli? Use peas, green beans, or mixed veggies.
• Flavor boosters: red chili flakes, sliced green onions, and/or a teaspoon of sesame oil.

Chinese Turnip Pancakes

Chinese Turnip Pancakes

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 pancakes
Serving Size 2 pancakes

Ingredients

Pancakes
1 cup flour
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
3⁄4 cup water
2 cups turnip, grated
1 cup carrot, grated
1⁄2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons oil (for cooking)

Sauce
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, pepper, egg, garlic, soy sauce, and water in a bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in the grated turnip, carrot and green onion.
3. Heat half of oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet). Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake into skillet. Flatten with a fork into a 3-inch circle.
4. Cook until edges look dry and bottom is golden, about 3-4 minutes. Turn once. Cook until bottom is golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining batter adding remaining oil as needed. Pancakes will be moist in the center.
5. Combine dipping sauce Ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with warm pancakes.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Chinese Spicy Noodles

Chinese Spicy Noodles

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti, uncooked
2 Tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup )
6 cloves minced garlic or 1 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
2 Tablespoons curry powder
1 Tablespoon chili paste
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 cups shredded cabbage (1/3 head)
1 cup shredded carrot
1 cup shredded zucchini
6 green onions, thinly sliced
2 large tomatoes, coarsely diced
1⁄4 cup honey
1⁄2 cup peanuts
lime wedges

Directions

1. Boil water in a large pot; add spaghetti and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and sauté about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, curry powder, chili paste, and soy sauce. Mix well.
4. Stir in cabbage, carrot, and zucchini and cook, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Stir in green onions and tomatoes; continue to cook another 2 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and mix in vegetables. Add honey and toss.
7. Top with peanuts and serve with lime wedges.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Notes

• Try adding 2 tablespoons peanut butter to increase protein.
• Try whole wheat spaghetti.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Brazilian Black Beans and Sausage

Brazilian Black Beans and Sausage

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
8 ounces low-fat polish kielbasa sausage, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups water

1. Directions
2. Heat oil over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet); sauté sausage and onion until onion is clear.
3. Add remaining Ingredients.
4. Bring to boil over high heat, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add mushrooms or green bell peppers for variety.
• If you like spicy food, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
1 1⁄2 Tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
2 cans (4 ounce each) diced green chilies (see Notes section)
1 cup grated cheese (try Monterey jack)

Directions

1. Peel squash, cut in half and remove seeds. Cut the squash into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onions and cook, stirring for about 3 minutes. Add the squash, salt and chili powder.
3. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in chilies and cook about 3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and cover until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Prepare fresh chilies by roasting 1 pound fresh green poblano chilies (about 4 whole peppers) either by placing them over a stovetop gas flame or by roasting under an oven broiler. Turn them frequently until all sides are charred black, about 7-10 minutes. Allow peppers to cool, about 15 minutes. Remove the stems and seeds and chop.
• Like more spicy flavor? Use more or hotter chilies.
• Use as a filling for tacos, burritos or wraps!

Easy Skillet Chili

Easy Skillet Chili

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground meat - beef, chicken, or turkey (15% fat)
1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 can (14.5 ounces) tomatoes, chopped with juice
2 cans (15 ounces each) beans, drained and rinsed (try black, pinto, kidney, or others)
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed tomato soup

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), brown meat and onion.  Cook on medium-low heat (275 degrees in an electric skillet) for 5 minutes. Stir often. Drain grease from pan.
2. Add chili powder and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, drained beans, and tomato soup.
4. Add 1 soup can of water; stir and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Spice up your Easy Skillet Chili by adding diced green chilies, diced hot peppers, sautéed fresh mushrooms, sautéed fresh garlic, hot pepper sauce, frozen or canned corn, or extra chili powder.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans