Showing posts with label curry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label curry. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Roasted Cauliflower Florets with Sweet Curried Quinoa























Can we just talk for a minute about how hard it is to motivate myself to get anything at all done right now? Honestly, all I want to do is be outside and soak up the warm, perfect Arizona sun in all of its perfect glory. I realize most of the Country is struggling through a nasty winter at the moment and I'm sorry to rub it in your face, I don't mean to. I'm more than grateful for the gorgeous weather we have here in Phoenix and I mean to take advantage of  every single second of the sun basking, pool side lounging, Chardonnay sipping Spring we have been blessed with. Feel free to come visit us anytime (except June-August which pretty much sucks and it's your turn for bragging).


We've been either eating out (on patios of course), ordering in or making super simple, throw together lunches and dinners so as not to waste any time stuffed up indoors. I've come to terms with my laziness and in fact prefer to call it embracing and enjoying the present. Perspective people.






Make this when you are craving something simple, sweet and savory all at the same time. Don't forget the raisins, Yum! The end. 




recipe source  Cookie and Kate

SERVES     4        PREP TIME    10        COOK TIME    30





Roasted Cauliflower


1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or olive oil
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
pinch sea salt



Curried Quinoa and Greens


2 teaspoons melted coconut oil or olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon curry powder of choice (optional)
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk
½ cup water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander
⅓ cup raisins
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
4 cups baby spinach, baby kale, chard or arugula


 red pepper flakes to taste




Roast the cauliflower: 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the cauliflower florets with oil, cayenne p and a light sprinkle of sea salt. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes on the middle rack, turning halfway, until the cauliflower is tender and golden on the edges.

Cook the quinoa:

In a large pot warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, stirring frequently, 3- 5 minutes. Add the ginger, turmeric, curry powder and cardamom and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, water, rinsed quinoa and raisins. Bring the mixture to a soft boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the salt, vinegar and greens. Spoon quinoa into bowls over roasted cauliflower. Add red pepper flakes to your taste.

















Monday, April 26, 2010

Summer Chicken Salad with Fruit











Growing up, I was never a big fan of your traditional chicken salad. It was mushy and bland and oh so boring with the lack of veggies. I suppose it didn't help that I never liked Mayo either, can't stand it in fact, Gag!  I guess chicken salad never really had a chance with me. It ranked right up there with potato salad and egg salad sandwiches as far as I was concerned. So, I hate to even call this "chicken salad". I mean technically, it is a chicken salad, but with so much more pizazz and flair! It's chicken salad all grown up.  It has tangy, sweet and savory flavors in every bite. I love how you can really taste each separate flavor since the yogurt is so nice and light as apposed to mayo. (man, this wasn't supposed to be a mayo bashing, sorry to all you mayo lovers... get over it ).



However, here is the ugly truth regarding mayo, in calories and fat comparison.


(Low-fat yogurt has 9 calories a tablespoon, versus 99 for regular mayonnaise and 30 for sour cream.)
You can substitute yogurt for mayo in almost anything.
Serve this salad over lettuce instead of in a sandwich! You won't miss the bread. This is full of flavor, filling and healthy!



Even my picky eater LOVED this, curry and all! Here is the official thumbs up of approval!








You will need:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1  cup plain, fat free yogurt
1 TBSP curry powder ( if you just don't like curry... *sigh.... you could use tarragon instead for a different twist)
1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup sliced red grapes
1/2 cup diced apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Green Leaf (or simialr) lettuce

salt and pepper to taste










Directions:



1) Poach the chicken. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 tsp salt and the chicken, reduce the heat until the water is barely simmering, and cook until opaque throughout (8-10 min). Remove from heat and let stand until cool enough to handle. Cut into bite size cubes



2) Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, curry powder 1/2 tsp salt, and a pinch of pepper.



3) Assemble the salad. Add the chicken, celery, apples, grapes and walnuts/pecans. Drizzle the dressing over top and toss to coat evenly. Arrange the lettuce on plates and top with the chicken mixture.






Nutritional Info:
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 220.6

Total Fat: 9.4 g
Cholesterol: 45.5 mg
Sodium: 311.3 mg
Total Carbs: 16.1 g
Dietary Fiber: 4.4 g
Protein: 20.1 g