Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

health

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CUCUMBER SOUP

This week enjoy cucumber soup! This refreshing dish is a great summer dish. Made with simple, fresh ingredients like cucumbers and grapes makes this recipe perfect for the warmer weather!

Prep Time: 10 Mins    Chill Time: 2 hours    Total: 2 hours 10 Mins     Servings = 8 

Calories: 143.9 kcal Carbohydrates: 28.2 g  Protein: 4.1 g   Fat: 3.4 g  

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 2slices sandwich bread
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ½ pound English cucumbers
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes, plus more for garnish
  • 1/3 cup blanched, slivered almonds
  • 1/3 cups extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • Finely chopped chives for garnish

Directions:

  • Trim the crusts from the bread and cut the bread into 1- inch cubes. Place the cubes in a small bowl, mix in the water, and set to soak for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, peel the cucumbers. Cut into large chunks and place in a blender. Add the 1 cup grapes, almonds, 1.3 cup oil, garlic, 2 teaspoons vinegar, and salt. When the bread is ready, add it and any remaining soaking liquid to the blender. Blend on high speed until very smooth, scrapping down the sides of the blender as needed, about 2 minutes total.
  • Cover and refrigerate in the blender jar if it can fit, or transfer to a bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate until chilled and the flavors meld, about 2 hours.
  • Taste and season with more vinegar as needed. Pour or ladle into serving bowls and top with the chives, sliced green grapes, and a drizzle of olive oil. 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: WATERMELON SALAD WITH FETA & CUCUMBER

This week enjoy watermelon salad with feta and cucumber. A great snack to have with the upcoming hot weather!

Prep Time: 15 Mins               Total: 15 Mins           Servings = 8  

Calories: 143.9kcal   Carbohydrates: 28.2g   Protein: 4.1g   Fat: 3.4g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

For the Honey-Lime Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil I used Greek Early Harvest
  • pinch of salt

For the Watermelon Salad

  • 1/2 watermelon peeled, cut into cubes
  • 1 English or Hot House cucumber, cubed (about 2 cupful’s of cubed cucumbers)
  • 15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, more to your liking

Directions:

  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil and pinch of salt. Set aside for a moment.
  • Make the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter with sides, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
  • Finish and Serve: Top the watermelon salad with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Top with the feta cheese and serve!

Recipe can be found at THEMEDITERRANEANDISH here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS

This week enjoy protein overnight oats. A fast easy meal you can prep the night before to get your day started off right!

Prep Time: 10 Mins               Total: 10 Mins           Servings = 1  

Calories: 466kcal   Carbohydrates: 54g   Protein: 30g   Fat: 14g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • ½ Tablespoon chia seeds
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup fresh berries, for topping
  • ½ Tablespoon almond butter, for topping

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients except the toppings in a small container.
  • https://e68ed46471767b83931d171eaea4f8d4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html Cover container with a lid and place in the fridge overnight (or at least 1-2 hours).
  • Bring out of the fridge in the morning and stir. You’ll notice that the protein powder, oats and chia seeds soak up a lot of the liquid so you may want to add a little more almond milk or water before serving.
  • Top with toppings of your choice and enjoy. I used ½ cup blueberries and ½ Tablespoon almond butter for the nutrition facts on these

Recipe can be found at eatingbirdfood here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CHICKPEA SALAD WITH SMASHED CUCUMBERS

This week enjoy chickpea salad with smashed cucumbers. This tasty light refreshing side dish would be perfect for an afternoon BBQ!

Total: 25 Mins    Servings = 4-6

 Calories: 156kcal   Carbohydrates: 22g   Protein: 5g   Fat: 7g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 12 oz. Persian cucumbers
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 very small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
  • 12 oz. mixed cherry and grape tomatoes (halved or sliced)
  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Crumbled feta cheese, for serving

Directions:

  1. Step 1With side of chef’s knife, bash cucumbers slightly to crush, halve lengthwise, then cut each into 4 to 6 chunks. Transfer cucumbers to bowl and toss with 2 tsp salt. Let sit 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and honey to dissolve. Whisk in oil, capers, oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add onion, jalapeño, and chickpeas and toss to combine. Let sit at least 10 minutes. 
  3. Step 3Transfer cucumbers to colander and rinse, then shake off as much water as possible. Add to bowl with dressing, along with tomatoes and parsley, and toss to combine. Serve topped with feta if desired.

Recipe can be found at goodhousekeeping here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND GREEN BEANS

This week enjoy some garlic chicken and green beans. This high protein meal is extremely tasty, super easy to make, and easy to store!

Prep Time: 10 Mins  Cook Time: 20 Mins   Total: 30 Mins   Servings = 4

 Calories: 382kcal   Carbohydrates: 24.8g   Protein: 38.1g  Fat: 10.9g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 Tbsp arrowroot powder, or cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 12 oz green beans, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup green onions , chopped
  • Sesame seeds, optional garnish

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger, (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 tsp arrowroot powder, or cornstarch

Directions:

  • Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Mix together 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper then toss with the chicken making sure each piece is lightly coated.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan.  Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in an even layer.  Season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the chicken as needed.  Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil onto the hot skillet, add the green beans and season with a little salt and pepper.  Saute the green beans for about 6 minutes until they start to get a little char and are tender, but still crisp.  We don’t want floppy green beans! 
  • https://6424fb8de6e627bea47dbadbdcad9e2f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-44/html/container.html While things are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger in a small bowl. Separately, whisk together 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) along with 2 teaspoons of water and mix until smooth. Set aside.
  • Once the green beans are nice and tender, add the chicken back into the pan and mix together.  Pour the honey garlic sauce over top, add in the arrowroot mixture to help thicken up the sauce, and stir well making sure everything is coated. Bring the sauce to a boil then turn down the heat and let everything simmer until the sauce has thickened up and everything is incorporated. 
  • Top with sliced green onions (aka scallions) and some sesame seeds. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at eatyourselfskinny here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH OLIVE, ORANGE, & FENNEL

This week enjoy braised chicken thighs with olive, orange, and fennel. This low-carb, high protein, healthy meal is a nutrient dense dish that tastes great too!

Prep Time:25Mins Additional Time: 40 mins Total:1hr 5 Mins Serving = 4 Servings 

Calories: 311kcal    Carbohydrates: 14g    Protein: 30g    Fat: 15g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 4 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 4 large bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (1 3/4-2 lbs. total), trimmed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ? teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pitted Kalamata olives

Directions:

  1. Place fennel seeds on a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small saucepan. Set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning as needed, until browned all over, 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add onion to the pan and cook, stirring often, until softened and starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, crushed red pepper, and the crushed fennel seeds; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Add orange juice and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and bay leaf; return to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, mashing the tomatoes with a potato masher.
  4. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Partially cover the pan; cook until the chicken is tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers at least 175 degrees F, 40 to 45 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in olives and orange zest.

Original recipe can be found at https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/279117/braised-chicken-thighs-with-olive-orange-fennel/

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER QUINOA ENERGY BALLS

This week have a no bake peanut butter quinoa energy balls. A quick healthy perfect snack that requires zero baking!

Prep Time: 10 Mins   Total: 10 Mins   Makes 12 Servings  1 Serving =1 Ball  

 Calories: 132kcal    Carbohydrates: 16.3g    Protein: 4.2g    Fat: 6.2g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa1 cup rolled oats
  • 3 Tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter, or nut butter of choice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt

Directions:

  • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl or process in a blender until well combined.
  • Form dough into balls using your hands (about the size of a golf ball) and place on a cookie sheet or small pan (something that will fit in your freezer). Chill for about 2 hours until firm. Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at eatyourselfskinny here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: GREEK SALAD COTTAGE CHEESE BOWL

  

Enjoy a Greek salad cottage cheese bowl. A great healthy food option that is fast and packed with protein!

Prep Time: 15 Mins    Total: 30 Mins   Servings: 4

 Calories: 386kcal    Carbohydrates: 23g    Protein: 27g    Fat: 20g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 4 large eggs 
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, halved, cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1/2″ pieces 
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 
  • 1/4 cup sliced pitted Kalamata olives 
  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. capers, drained 
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. za’atar, plus more for serving (optional)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh mint and/or parsley leaves, torn if large
  • 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
  • Whole grain pita chips, for serving

Directions:

  1. In a small pot, cover eggs with 2″ water. Bring to a simmer, then cover pot and remove from heat. Let sit 8 minutes. Drain eggs and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. Let cool until cold to the touch, about 3 minutes. Peel and halve lengthwise; set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss cucumbers, bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, oil, capers, lemon juice, and za’atar (if using); season with salt and pepper. Stir in mint.
  3. Divide cottage cheese among bowls. Top with tomato salad and reserved eggs. Sprinkle with more za’atar (if using). Serve with pita chips alongside.

Original recipe can be found at https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a60098946/greek-salad-cottage-cheese-bowl-recipe/