Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 14 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat or less)
1 large carrot, diced, about 1 cup
1 small onion, diced, about 1 cup
2 stalk celery, diced, about 1 cup
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup uncooked barley
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In large sauce pot, cook ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
2. Add carrots, onion, celery, and garlic; stir often and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add 8 cups of water, bouillon, tomatoes with juice, barley, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover and reduce heat to a low boil. Cook for about 30 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with tomatoes.
• Add 1 cup chopped kale or other greens with tomatoes.

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.

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.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (16 ounces) navy beans
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fat-free chicken broth (see Notes)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1⁄2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup shredded cheese
10 thin corn tortillas

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and cumin, and sauté until onion is softened but not browned.
2. Drain and rinse beans. Add drained beans, tomatoes with liquid, and chicken broth. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chilies, oregano, and chicken. Simmer 15 minutes.
4. When ready to serve, stir in cilantro and 1 cup cheese until melted. Serve tortilla strips on the side as soup toppings.
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.
• To make tortilla strips, stack tortillas and cut in half. Cut each half-stack into thin strips. Spread strips on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, tossing frequently, for 15 minutes or until crispy and starting to lightly brown.

Mexican Black Bean Soup

Mexican Black Bean Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion chopped (about 1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups black beans, about 2 cans (15 ounces) cooked or canned (with liquid)
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups water
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tablespoon cumin
1⁄3 cup lime juice or juice from 1 lime
hot sauce to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Stir often.
2. Add the beans, potatoes and water. Bring to a boil; then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
3. Add the cilantro, cumin, lime juice and hot pepper sauce, if desired. Stir and cook for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try topping soup with non-fat sour cream, chopped cilantro and baked tortilla chips.
• Freeze extra lime juice to use later.

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili

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

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
1 can (15.5 ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounce) stewed tomatoes
1⁄2 cup bulgur, uncooked
1⁄2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (low fat)

Directions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add garlic, onion, pepper, and mushrooms and saute until tender, 6-8 minutes.
3. Add remaining Ingredients except cheese.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until bulgur is soft, 10-15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with grated cheese and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use kidney or black beans instead of pinto beans.
• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Top with light sour cream.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Refried Bean Soup

Refried Bean Soup

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

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup onion, finely chopped (1 medium onion)
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 large can (30 ounces) fat-free refried beans
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium vegetable broth (see Notes)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, and reduce heat to low.
3. Add beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Serve immediately.
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.

Quick Tomato Salsa

Quick Tomato Salsa

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 2 tablespoons

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
1⁄4 cup onion, chopped (1⁄4 medium onion or 2 green onions, chopped including green tops)
1 clove garlic, chopped or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lime, squeezed for juice
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed

Directions

1. Combine Ingredients, except cilantro, in a blender and blend to desired consistency.
2. Finely chop cilantro and stir into other Ingredients.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes

• No blender? Make a chunky salsa by cutting all Ingredients to desired size before mixing.
• Try adding drained canned corn or black beans with cilantro.
• Make ahead to allow flavors to blend.
• Freeze extra lime juice to use later.

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.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 can (8 ounce) unsweetened pineapple chunks
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 cup 99% fat-free chicken broth (see Notes)
1⁄4 cup rice wine vinegar
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup celery, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, cut in eighths
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced diagonally 1/4" thick
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1⁄4 cup cold water

Directions

1. Drain pineapple and reserve juice.
2. Cut chicken into 1" cubes and place in a large skillet.
3. Add reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Cover and simmer over low heat (250 degrees for an electric skillet) for 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink when cut.
4. Add vegetables and pineapple; cook an additional 5 minutes.
5. Combine cornstarch with water and stir until smooth. Slowly pour into hot mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute more.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve over hot, cooked rice or pasta.
• 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.

Burrito Soup

Burrito Soup

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
1 Tablespoon oil
1 can (15.5 ounces) refried beans
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (15.5 ounces) corn
1 can (15.5 ounces) black beans, reduced sodium
2 Tablespoons taco seasoning

Directions

1. Sauté onion and zucchini in oil until soft.
2. Add refried beans and stir to break up beans.
3. Add tomatoes, corn, black beans and taco seasoning.
4. Simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• The more vegetables you add, the more nutrients! Try adding some of your favorites.
• Freeze leftovers for another meal.
• 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!

Chicken Creole

Chicken Creole

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

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup chili sauce (about 9 ounces)
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Heat pan over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add oil and chicken, and cook until no longer pink when cut.
2. Reduce heat to medium (300 degrees in electric skillet).
3. Add tomatoes with juice, chili sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, and cayenne pepper.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve over hot, cooked rice or pasta.
• No chili sauce? Make your own and reduce sodium using these Ingredients:
  • 1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Greens with Carrots

Greens with Carrots

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

8 cups greens (try kale, bok choy, collard, mustard)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 large carrots, peeled and cut julienne or coarsely shredded
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce

Directions

1. Wash greens and remove tough stems (see Notes). Rough chop or cut leaves into thin strips.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Add carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add greens, salt, pepper, coriander and cayenne, if desired. Stir often.
5. When greens have turned bright green and begun to wilt, remove from heat. Sprinkle vinegar and tamari or soy sauce over the top. Toss gently and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Kale: remove large stem running through center of each leaf.
• Bok Choy: do not remove stem

Indian Lentils and Pasta

Indian Lentils and Pasta

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups water
2 cloves garlic finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup dry lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1⁄2 cup orzo or tiny pasta
1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and garlic and cook 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Stir in water, diced tomatoes with juice, lentils, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
3. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low (250 degrees in an electric skillet). Simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Add pasta and cook uncovered until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve warm.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve topped with light sour cream or plain non-fat yogurt.

Indian Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

Indian Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

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

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ginger, fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground
1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (try cauliflower, peppers, carrots or peas)
1 large baking potato, peeled and diced
1 cup white rice, uncooked
1⁄2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 1⁄2 cups water
1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add onion, ginger, turmeric, and cumin, and stir while cooking for 1 minute.
3. Add remaining Ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat.
4. Simmer 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a flavor boost, cook ½ cup raisins or diced apples with the vegetables.
• Try using brown rice instead of white, and increase the simmering time to 45 minutes.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans

Kale and Cranberry Stir-fry

Kale and Cranberry Stir-fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
1⁄4 cup chopped onion (1⁄4 medium onion)
1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups chopped kale (leaf portion, no stems)
Juice from 1/2 orange (about 1/4 cup)

Directions

1. Add oil and onion to large skillet. Stir and saute over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until onion is clear.
2. Add cranberries and garlic. Continue to saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add kale. Pour or squeeze orange juice over top of kale. Continute to stir fry for about 5 minutes until kale is wilting and hot.
4. Serve immediately.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 1 bunch fresh kale (about 8 cups, chopped

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 cup onion, chopped (1 medium onion)
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 cups mushrooms, sliced or chopped (12 medium button mushrooms)
3⁄4 cup bulgur
1 1⁄2 cups water
2 teaspoons dry boullion (chicken or vegetable)
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Use a medium saucepan or skillet with a tightly fitting lid. Over medium heat, sauté onions in oil in the open pan until they are softened.
2. Add mushrooms and sauté until beginning to brown, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in bulgur and continue to stir until lightly browned.
4. Add water, bouillon, garlic powder, and pepper. Cover pan with lid.
5. Reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until bulgur is tender and liquids are absorbed.
6. Remove from heat. Mix in the spinach and serve.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.