Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

health

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/

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: ALMOND & LEMON CRUSTED FISH WITH SPINACH

This week enjoy almond & lemon crusted fish with spinach. Paired with a white fish like cod or halibut makes this a foolproof way to shake up your fish dinner.

Cook Time: 25 Mins         Total: 25 Mins      Servings: 4

Calories: 244kcal    Carbohydrates: 8g    Protein: 27g    Fat: 12g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon, divided
  • ½ cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 1/4 pounds cod (see Tip) or halibut, cut into 4 portions
  • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, slivered
  • 1 pound baby spinach
  • 4 Lemon wedges for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Combine lemon zest, almonds, dill, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in a small bowl. Place fish on the prepared baking sheet and spread each portion with 1 teaspoon mustard. Divide the almond mixture among the portions, pressing it onto the mustard.
  3. Bake the fish until opaque in the center, about 7 to 9 minutes, depending on thickness.
  4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not brown, about 30 seconds. Stir in spinach, lemon juice and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the spinach is just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Cover to keep warm. Serve the fish with the spinach and lemon wedges, if desired.

Original recipe can be found at https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252355/almond-lemon-crusted-fish-with-spinach/

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: GREEK BROCCOLI SALAD

This week enjoy broccoli salad. A great light nutritious dish packed with whole foods makes this side dish a must have!

Prep Time: 35 Mins      Total: 35 Mins       Servings: 4

Calories: 272kcal    Carbohydrates: 16.9g    Protein: 8g    Fat: 21.6g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 large bunch of broccoli (about 1 ¼ pounds), florets removed and sliced into small, bite-sized pieces
  • ? cup roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes*
  • ¼ cup chopped shallot or red onion
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or thinly sliced kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, more to taste
  • Pinch red pepper flakes

Directions:

  1. In a medium-sized serving bowl, toss together the broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, shallot or red onion, feta or olives and almonds.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
  3. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 30 minutes before serving so the broccoli has a chance to marinate in the bold, lemony dressing. (It’s great right away, too, though!)

Original recipe can be found at cookieandkate here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: SMOKY BLACK BEAN AND QUINOA SOUP

This week enjoy black bean and quinoa soup. Packed with delicious ingredients makes this soup a must have and it is 100% vegan too! Read the bottom of the recipe to see how you can add more protein to power up your day!

Total Time: 45 Mins    Servings: 4

 Calories: 355kcal    Carbohydrates: 52g    Protein: 14g    Fat: 12.5g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/2 medium butternut squash (about 12 oz.), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces 
  • 1 medium poblano pepper, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 canned chipotle in adobo, finely chopped, plus 1 tbsp. adobo 
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 
  • 1 14-oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed 
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped, plus leaves for sprinkling
  • 1/3 cup roasted pepitas

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in Dutch oven on medium. Add onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes. 
  2. Add squash and poblano and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cumin and cook 1 minute. 
  3. Stir in chipotle and adobo, then broth, and bring to a boil. When edges of pot just start bubbling, stir in tomatoes and quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer gently, covered, until quinoa is tender, 12 to 14 minutes. 
  4. Stir beans into soup and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes. Stir in cilantro and serve topped with pepitas and additional cilantro if desired.

Power Up: Want an extra hit of protein? Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked ground turkey or pork, or leftover roasted shrimp when adding black beans and heat through before serving.

Original recipe can be found at goodhousekeeping here!