Category Archives: side dish

Seared Baby Bok Choy with Garlic and Chili Oil

Posted in asian, cut calories, low-carb, side dish, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by

bok choy with garlic and chili oil

Benefits of Bok Choy

One cup  of bok choy has just nine calories  and provides protein, dietary fiber and almost all the essential vitamins and minerals you need. This Chinese cabbage is a nutrient-dense food that offers several health benefits.  Here are my top four:

1. Antioxidants

One cup of shredded bok choy has 34 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and more than a full day’s intake of vitamin A. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant in the body, protecting cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals, or unstable molecules that result from vital chemical processes. Bok choy contains lutein and zeaxanthin too, which are antioxidants that protect the eyes and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

2. Strong Bones

In addition to calcium, you need magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin K to build and maintain strong bones. One cup of shredded bok choy delivers at least 3 percent of the recommended daily intake of magnesium and phosphorus, 7 percent of calcium and 26 percent of vitamin K.

3. Heart Health

One cup of bok choy provides 11 percent of the recommended daily intake of both folate and vitamin B-6. Folate and vitamin B-6 remove the amino acid homocysteine from the blood. This is important because high levels of homocysteine increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.   It also has 4 percent of the daily value of potassium, which regulates the heartbeat. The calcium and magnesium essential for bones also play a role in maintaining a healthy heart. Calcium stimulates heart muscles to contract, while magnesium encourages them to relax.

4. Cancer Protection

Bok choy has unique sulfur-containing compounds that may reduce the risk of breast, prostate, lung and digestive tract cancers. These substances may help the body eliminate carcinogens, prevent cells from turning into cancer or alter metabolism to stop the development of hormone-sensitive cancers. One cup of chopped bok choy has 38 milligrams of glucosinolates.

Here’s a quick stir-fry recipe has spicy bold flavor and is an easy side dish to perk up most any meal, while giving you all the benefits that bok choy provide.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. sesame seeds
4 heads baby bok choy, about 1 lb. total
1 1/2 Tbs. canola oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Sea salt, to taste
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 tsp. Asian chili oil

Directions:

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Fruity Pizza

Posted in dessert, low-carb, side dish, Snacks, sweet treat, vegan, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by

Fruity PizzaCan’t wait until summer to have this pizza!  Packed with vitamins and minerals, this Fruity Pizza is the bomb.

The Watermelon “crust” is full of nutritious benefits. It is a high lycopene food. Lycopene is especially important in cardiovascular health and an increasing number of scientists are finding that it is beneficial in bone health too.  It also has amino acids known to promote strong kidneys and other organs.

The Kiwi  topping is one of the healthiest foods.  It has the equivalnet vitamin C of an orange  and its available year round.  The California crop is from November thru May and then we get them from New Zealand.  Their crop hits the market June thru October.  Kiwis are a great source of dietary fiber and also provides great antioxident protection.

Blueberries are full of nutritious benefits as well.  Chock full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, potasium and magnesium, these colorful fruits make a great pizza topping that is good for you and your body.

Dried  shredded coconut not only adds fiber, it adds iron which helps with healthy circulation and tissue maintenance.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

watermelon (large slice) cut into eight pie slices
kiwi, peeled and sliced
strawberries, cut in fourths
nectarines, sliced
green grapes, cut in half
whole blueberries
shredded cocunut

Roasted Red Potato Skewers with Garlic and Mustard

Posted in AP's Favorites, Dani's Favorite, Holiday Meals, side dish, vegetarian by

   These savory potatoes are gobbled up fast at my house.  The delicious aroma brings everyone in the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. I often double this recipe when guests are coming. They can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead so that all you have to do it pop them in the oven, under the broiler for 10-15 minutes and they are ready to serve.

Red Potato Skewers with Garlic and Mustard

1 ½ lbs. baby red skin new potatoes, scrubbed and halved (quartered if a little larger)
3 T olive oil
3 T Dijon Mustard
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ T fresh rosemary, finely chopped
½ tsp. coarse kosher salt
½ tsp. coarsely ground pepper
6 wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes in water

 Directions

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Holiday Brunch Citrus Salad

Posted in brunch, holiday favorites, Holiday Meals, side dish, vegan, vegetarian by

Holiday Brunch Citrus Salad
My friend Andrea shared this recipe with me years ago.  I made it this holiday as part of Christmas brunch.  It looks so festive and is tasty and refreshing too.

 

Holiday Brunch Grapefruit Salad

2 white grapefruit

2 pink grapefruit

6 navel oranges

½ cup fresh mint leaves

¼ cup sugar

dried cranberries or pomagranate seeds

 

Directions:

1. Peel and cut between membranes of citrus to remove sections. You can do this the night before.

2.  Cut the mint leaves with kitchen scissors into thin strips.

3. Mix the mint  in with the sugar and add pomegranate seeds or cranberries.

4.  Sprinkle over the fruit and stir lightly.

Enjoy!

Psst!  I sometimes cheat and buy the fresh citrus already peeled, cut and sweetened.  Del Monte markets it in a glass jar that can be found in the refrigerator section of most grocery stores.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Posted in side dish by

Brussels Sprouts

Growing up, I was not a fan of brussels sprouts.  Now I can’t get enough of them.  They are packed with protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  They also full of flavor. They make a colorful addition to the holiday table too.

 

Brussels Spouts with Bacon and Pecans

Ingredients: 

  • 2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, cut in half
  • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 -3/4 cup toasted pecans of walnuts, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

 

Directions:  Continue reading →

Quick Herbed Quinoa

Posted in Moni's Favorite, side dish by

Herbed QuinoaWhen I first started making this side dish, I used white Basmati rice instead of quinoa.  Recently I tried using quinoa due to the great health benefits that quinoa offers.  Although it is eaten like a grain, it is technically a seed.  It is a great source of protein, something that is rare in the plant world.  Quinoa is also high in iron and calcium as well as fiber.  Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac and others needing a gluten-free diet.  Oh, did I mention it’s tasty too?

Quick Herbed Quinoa

1 cup quinoa ( I like tri-color)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. fresh rosemary, minced (1/2 tsp. if dried rosemary)

1/2 tsp. marjoram

1 tsp fresh thyme, minced (1/2 tsp. if dried thyme)

1 tsp. onion flakes

1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you are a vegetarian)

1 T. butter

 Directions
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Butternut Squash with Shallots and Sage

Posted in Moni's Favorite, side dish, vegetarian by

Butternut squash with shallots and sageBUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SHALLOTS AND SAGE

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 shallots, halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (3/4 cup)
1 (1 3/4-lb) butternut squash, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (4 cups)
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Corn Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans

Posted in mexican, salad, side dish, vegetarian by

corn salad with feta and pecans

Corn Salad with Feta and Pecans

 

Ingredients

1 cup pecans (or walnuts)
4 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 ears), raw or cooked
2 jalapenos, seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled Feta (2 ounces)

Directions

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Tasty Grilled Vegetables

Posted in bbq, Dani's Favorite, side dish, vegan, vegetarian by

tasty grilled vegetables

Grilled Vegetables

You can use any combination of vegetables below to whip up a super easy, tasty, healthy, and colorful  side dish for any meal.  

2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-1/2 inch slices
2 peppers (red and green), seeds removed and sliced lengthwise into 1-2 inch wide slices
1 large onion sliced into ¾ -1 inch rounds
1 large portabella mushroom sliced ½ inch thick

In a measuring cup, add approx. ¼ cup olive oil and 2-3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Mix and set aside.

Place sliced veggies in a shallow pan (8X8) and drizzle with oil mixture. Gently toss. (You can also brush vegetables with a pasty brush generously dipped in oil and garlic mixture if you’d like).

 

Place on a medium grill and cook until slightly charred and softened.

 

Remove from heat and place on platter and serve.  Yummy!

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Mom’s Mac ‘N Cheese

Posted in Dani's Favorite, main meal, Moni's Favorite, pasta, side dish, vegetarian by
Comfort food for the soul

Comfort food for the soul

Mom’s Macaroni and Cheese

½ cup butter (divided)
4 T. flour
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded or cut into ½ inch cubes)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 ¼ tsp. prepared mustard
1 T. onion (chopped)
8 saltine crackers (crushed)
2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked and drained)

Directions Continue reading →