Tag Archives: spicy

SP’s Taco Seasoning Mix

Posted in AP's Favorites, mexican, SP friendly, Standard Process Friendly, Weeknight Meal by

This recipe can be used to season 1 1b of ground protein of your choice. I make 3-4 batches at a time and put it into it’s own container to speed up the dinner preparation process. It’s so much healthier than grabbing a pre-packaged taco seasoning from the grocery store as they often include large amounts of salt and other ingredients like sugar and cornstarch. I use 3-4 T of the mixed seasoning for 1 lb. of ground beef or chicken.

Ingredients

2 T chili powder (some stores offer chili powder blends but I recommend the pure form for this recipe)

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a ziplock plastic bag and shake until thoroughly mixed. To make taco meat, cook the ground meat (chicken, turkey or beef) until almost fully cooked. Add seasoning mix and cook for a minute or two more or until desired consistency.

Spicy Southwestern Salad

Posted in 30 minute meals, low-carb, mexican, salad, SP friendly, Standard Process Friendly, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by

img_8109

spicy southwestern salad with avocado dressing

  • creds: pinch of yum
  • prep time: 15 mins
  • cook time: 20 mins
  • total time: 35 minutes
  • yield: 4 large salads

DESCRIPTION

This easy to prepare Spicy Southwestern Salad recipe has roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, lettuce, and creamy avocado dressing! You can also make the dressing and the sweet potatoes the night before.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SALAD

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 heaping teaspoon each cumin and chili powder (plus a sprinkle of cayenne if you like it hot)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 14-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 14-ounce can sweet corn* , rinsed and drained (or use shredded carrots if you are eliminating corn from your diet)
  • a handful of cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 avocado (optional)
  • 1/2 a head of romaine lettuce, chopped

FOR THE CILANTRO DRESSING:

  • half an avocado
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1 small clove of garlic
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
  • a squeeze of lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel the sweet potatoes and chop into bite-sized pieces. Mix the olive oil, cumin, and chili powder together in a small bowl. Brush mixture on sweet potatoes. Roast for 10 minutes. Stir or shake the pan. Turn heat up to 425, and roast for another 10-15 minutes. The sweet potatoes should be just barely roasty-brown on the outside.  cook another minute or two if needed.  Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, pulse all the dressing ingredients in a food processor until mostly smooth.
  3. Toss the beans, corn, lettuce, and sweet potatoes with the dressing. Serve with the other half of the avocado!

* a yummy alternative to canned corn is either fresh cut right off the cobb or roasted corn (It’s found in the freezer section at Trader Joe’s. Just rinse and thaw it in a colander before adding to salad).

img_8108

Sesame Orange Chicken Skewers

Posted in asian, bbq, chicken, main meal by

Chicken Skewers

Sesame-Orange Chicken Skewers                        6 servings

1 – 1 1/2 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup orange juice
2 T. drained mandarin orange segments
3 green onions, sliced (including about 1/2 the green part)
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or ½ tsp. garlic salt if you don’t have fresh)

Directions

Continue reading →

Skinny Italian Zucchini Boats

Posted in italian, low-carb, main meal by

Image

Skinny Italian Zucchini Boats

 Ingredients

3 medium zucchinis
1 lb. lean ground pork
12 oz. marinara sauce
1 Tablespoon Sriracha hot chili sauce
1 Tablespoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (I like Seven Seas)
1 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz mozzarella or Monterey jack cheese, grated
1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago or Romano cheese
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thin ( I used yellow cherry tomatoes)
fresh basil, chopped
extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

 Instructions Continue reading →