Tag Archives: low carb meals

DIY Seed and Nut Bars

Posted in Snacks by

Makes 8 bars

INGREDIENTS

1 cup roasted unsalted almonds

½ cup pumpkin seeds

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp honey (sub maple syrup for vegan)

1 tbsp melted coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

Add in the vanilla extra, honey and melted coconut and fold until combined.

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil ( or spray a silicone bar mold).

Take ½ cup almonds and roughly chop them.

In a medium-size bowl combine the nuts and seeds along with the coconut, salt and cinnamon.

Pour mixture into the lined baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula until you have an even layer.

Bake for about 30-40 minutes depending on your oven.

Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Using a large spoon or spatula press down the mixture again and allow to cool completely.

Gently lift the bars and the parchment from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Using a large knife cut into 8 even bars. Store in an airtight container and place a piece of parchment between the bars so that they don’t stick together.

Ina-Inspired Tomato Soup

Posted in appetizer, comfort food, cut calories, low-carb, Moni's Favorite, soup by

IMG_1324Easy Tomato Soup inspired by Ina Garten

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 2 cups yellow onions, chopped (2 onions)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • Large pinch of saffron threads
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup orzo
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Preparation

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Stir-Fried Tofu with garlic, ginger and green onions

Posted in asian, low-carb, main meal, Moni's Favorite, tofu, vegetarian by

stir fried tofu
I only recently discovered tofu and the many health benefits it offers. Tofu is a high-protein alternative to red meat. Due to its protein content, eating tofu can help you feel full while consuming fewer calories.  A 1/2-cup serving of regular tofu provides about 10 grams of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Nutrient Database.
Tofu is also a low-carb food.  A 1/2-cup portion of regular tofu contains about 2 grams of carbohydrates.  When trying to lose weight, trading in red meat and chicken for tofu is a great alternative.  It takes on the flavors of whatever it is cooked with.  Here is a yummy asian-inspired recipe.

Easy Stir- Fry Tofu with Garlic, Ginger and Scallions

 

Ingredients

12-14 oz. tofu (extra firm organic)
2 T. peanut oil (use more or less, depending on your pan)
2 tsp. minced garlic (finely)
2 tsp. ginger root, finely grated ( I use cubed ginger already grated and found at Trader Joe’s in the freezer section).
1 cup scallions (sliced into 2 inch pieces, This is about 1 bunch green onions. Keep white parts separate from green parts.
3 T. chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
1 1/2 T. soy sauce (I use low sodium)
1 -2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

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