Tag: Recipes

Avocado and Black Bean Salad

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Serves 6

Beans are one of those things that I didn’t like too much as a child (read: at ALL 😂) but over the years grew to love as an adult. There’s just something wonderful about trying new things and being open-minded about food!

In the midst of these ~corona times~ I keep finding beans and other canned items in my pantry and have been trying to come up with quick and fun recipes to prepare and enjoy. Enter: The Avocado and Black Bean Salad! 💪🏽

This recipe brings you a great combo of protein (from the beans), healthy fats (from the avocado), and Vitamin A, C, and fibre (from the veggies) to help support a balanced diet. A little salad dressing doesn’t hurt either, but reach for a low-fat version and remember to keep everything in moderation 😉.

These difficult times are starting to make me realize that throwing together balanced meals may not be so difficult after all! Are you getting creative in the kitchen during this corona season? Let me know all about it in the comments! 😊

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (1.75 cups) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tomato, chopped OR 1/2 cup of grape tomatoes
  • 1⁄2 cup canned corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium avocado, cut into cubes
  • Optional: parsley and chickpeas for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together your black beans, tomato, corn and avocado cubes.
2. Top with homemade or store bought low-fat dressing then mix well and serve!

Nutritional Information (per serving):
275 kcal / 14g protein / 40g carbs (with 12g of fibre) / 6g healthy fats

Photo Source: Fifteen Spatulas

– Huda Amareh, MAHN, RD 🌟

Mujaddara (Lentils with Brown Rice and Caramelized Onions)

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Serves 4

Trying to get groceries these past few days was difficult, but one ingredient I noticed untouched time and time again was lentils. I have no idea why – lentils (both bagged or canned) not only last long in your pantry but are also tasty and pack a nutritious punch! They bring so much protein, fibre, and iron to any dish you decide to make that it’s definitely something to consider preparing this week 😉.

Mujaddara is a simple but popular Arab dish that takes these lentils and combines them with brown rice and caramelized onions. The new Canada’s Food Guide recommends that you have meals consisting of plant-based protein, whole grains, and lots of veggies/fruits, so I always suggest this dish to clients and ask them to get creative with adding other vegetables too 🙂. Let us know what you’d like to add in the comments!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned lentils (any colour), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Optional: cilantro for garnish

Instructions:
1. Add oil to a large pot and set to low heat.
2. Once a minute has gone by and the oil is hot enough, add onions. Increase heat to medium and constantly stir until onions turn a golden brown colour. This means they are caramelized and ready to be put aside in a bowl for now.
3. Using the same heated pot you cooked the onions in, add garlic paste, salt, black pepper and cumin and wait for a minute or so. Keep heat on medium.
4. Add in your vegetable stock and wait until it boils.
5. Now add in your rice and place a lid on top of the pot. Immediately turn down heat to low and allow to cook for 35 minutes. Add in lentils and continue to heat for another 5 minutes.
6. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
7. Remove lid and stir in caramelized onions.
8. Happily serve!

Nutritional Information (per serving):
400 kcal / 17g protein / 60g carbs (with 15g of fibre) / 7g healthy fats

Photo Source: Mexican Please

– Huda Amareh, MAHN, RD

Chana Masala (Curried Chickpeas)

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Serves 5

Bring the Indian restaurant home, with this traditional Chana Masala. It’s filled with both flavour and nutrients. Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fibre and folate. It has soluble fibre which may help lower cholesterol, and insoluble fibre that helps to keep you regular. They’re also gluten free and can be part of a healthy vegetarian, vegan or non-vegetarian diet. Try it and let us know how you liked it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp mango (amchur) powder (optional)
  • 1tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • ½ cup pureed tomatoes or 3 tbsp (45ml) of tomato paste
  • 2 (19oz/540ml) cans (4 cups) of cooked chickpeas (drained & rinsed) or 2 cups dried chickpeas, boiled
  • Cilantro to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat canola oil on medium heat and sauté onions till soft. Then add ginger garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add spices, mix and add 1 tbsp water. Sauté for 5 minutes, while repeatedly adding 1 tbsp of water and mixing every minute (this creates a great flavour).
  3. Add tomato puree/paste and sauté for a minute covered. Stir in chickpeas, and cover for another 2 minutes. Add ½ cup of water and cover for another 4 minutes.
  4. With your spoon, mash some chickpeas to thicken the sauce to your liking. Garnish with cilantro and serve!

💡Tip* If using canned chickpeas, rinse with cold water- this makes them digest easily and can help lower gas produced.

💡Tip* If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and they’ll be ready within 30 minutes of boiling.

Nutritional information (per 3/4cup serving):
263 cal / 12.5g protein / 40.9g carbohydrate / 11g fibre / 6.6 g healthy fats

Photo credit: Food Heaven

Mango Banana Protein Smoothie

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Serves 2

Looking for a bit of protein and carbohydrates to go with your workout? Look no further than our Mango Banana Protein Smoothie! It’s light, easy to make, and super tasty. Think of all the vitamin C from the fruits 🤤! The vitamin D and calcium from the added milk 😯! And most of all: the flavour! I’d be lying if I said I don’t make this even on my non-workout days 🙊. So have at this luscious drink and let us know what you think in the comments!

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped mango
1 cup cut banana
1 scoop protein powder
3/4 cup cow’s milk OR unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions
1. You know what to do! Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until extra smooth.
2. Happily serve ☺.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
190 kcal / 13g protein / 30g carbs / 3g healthy fats

Photo credit: Taste of Home

Oatmeal Pancakes

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Makes 12 (3-inch) pancakes. Serves 4

Oatmeal pancakes can be a great way to get fibre and keep yourself feeling full all day long (especially with added protein powder). Topping it with fruit not only adds extra fibre, but also vitamins, antioxidants and a natural sweet taste that compliments the pancakes well.

Tip* In a rush in the morning? Make pancakes ahead of time- stack them with parchment paper and freeze for 2 weeks. Warm in microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup oats (quick or old fashioned)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt (optional)
• 1 ¼ cup low-fat milk (2% or less)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
• Protein powder (with around 20g of protein, optional)
• 1 cup sliced fruit (berries/banana), fresh/frozen

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl combine dry ingredients, and in a separate medium bowl combine milk, egg and oil (optional).
  2. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated.
  3. Heat skillet (medium-high) and grease lightly with cooking spray.
  4. Pour ¼ cup (50ml) batter in the middle of the skillet. Flip the pancake when bubbles appear, and edges are cooked (1-2mins). Cook other side till golden brown (~1min).
  5. Top with sliced fruit and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per 3 pancakes):
314 cal / 14g protein / 50g carbohydrate / 3g fibre / 7g healthy fats

Perfect Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

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When I have guests come over or I’m feeling hungry and I need a quick salad to prep, I always choose this one. It’s filled with veggies giving it fibre, vibrancy, and vitamins, and the chickpeas add some protein. Try it yourself and let us know how you liked it.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups whole wheat pasta shells
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 ½ (375ml) cup canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • ½ zucchini, diced (optional)
  • 1-2 bell peppers (red/yellow/orange), diced
  • ½ cup corn kernels (frozen or drained, rinsed canned corn)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, boil water and cook pasta for ~8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl combine yogurt, mustard, salt and pepper. Add pasta, diced vegetables and corn.
  3. Mix and toss to coat dressing over salad. Enjoy and share!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
165 cal / 7g protein / 33g carbohydrate / 5g fibre / 2g healthy fats

Photo credit: veganhuggs

Cashew Chicken Curry

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To all the curry lovers out there (like me :P), you have to try this cashew chicken curry! It’s simple to make, only requiring 3 spices (chili powder, garam masala and black pepper), uses healthy fats, and lean poultry. Enjoy it with whole wheat chapati or brown rice along with your choice of cooked vegetables like gobi (cooked cauliflower), okra or eggplant.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 2 skinless chicken breast (1lbs), cubed
  • 1 cup low fat yogurt
  • ⅓ cup cashews (or almonds), soaked in warm water (or use 2 tbsp of cashew powder)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garam masala

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onions on medium-high heat till soft.
  2. Add ginger garlic paste, and saute for 1 minute. Add chicken and sauté until its color starts changing to white (~2-3 minutes).
  3. Meanwhile, blend yogurt, soaked nuts (or cashew powder) and black pepper. Set aside.
  4. Add chili powder and salt to the chicken. Mix well and cook for 1 minute. Add the yogurt-nut blend and mix well. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.
  5. Once chicken is tender, add garam masala and cook for another 2-5 minutes. Serve hot!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
218kcal / 26g protein / 9.5g carbohydrate / 9g healthy fat

Photo credit: Twosleevers

Quinoa (Yes! Quinoa) Tacos

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Serves: 4

Tacos are a fun and tasty choice for get-togethers but did you know that they can be super healthy too? We’ve added lots of colourful veggies like orange bell pepper, tomato, and red onion to ours to make this meal balanced.  Our recipe uses quinoa too, which is a complete protein (the same way beef, poultry, and fish are) but plant-based, making it more environmentally friendly and a good choice for our Meatless Monday 🙂 Take a chance and make these tacos today, you won’t regret it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (180g) quinoa
  • 1 cup (250 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (250 mL) water
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) cumin
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) red chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 4 tortillas
  • Avocado (optional)
  • Black beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Use strainer to rinse quinoa. Place in a saucepan over medium heat and allow to roast for 4 minutes.
  2. Add stock and water to quinoa and allow to boil. Bring heat down to low and cook quinoa covered with a lid for 20 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Remove quinoa mixture from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Add onion, bell pepper, tomato, lime juice, cumin, and chilli powder, to the quinoa mixture. Mix together well and place on a baking pan. Place in oven for 25 minutes until ingredients are crispy.
  6. Divide into four portions and place in soft- or hard-shell tacos. Happily serve 🙂

Nutritional Information (per serving):

250 kcal / 40g Carbohydrates (includes 6g Fibre) / 10g Protein / 3g Healthy Fats

Photo credit: Plays Well with Butter

Brilliant Black Bean Quesadillas

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Serves: 4

This easy-to-make dish is a family favourite that we can’t wait to share with all of you 🙂. Quesadillas are a colourful addition to your weekly food plan – and a healthy one too! This strong source of protein is packed with veggies and cheese, making it not only a fun dinner choice but a complete meal option as well 😉. These are super quick to make so whip up a few for your family and friends and let us know what you think in the comments!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 can (17 oz/500 mL) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup whole kernel corn
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) cumin
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) red chilli powder
  • 1 cup nonfat mozzarella cheese
  • 4 soft tortillas

Instructions:

  1. Drain and rinse black beans in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan on high heat. Add onions and stir until they start to become soft and almost clear in colour.
  3. Turn heat down to medium-high and add beans, corn, red pepper, as well as cumin and red chilli powder. Stir for about 4 minutes.
  4. Remove mixture and heat the first tortilla on the saucepan.  Add ¼ cup of your cheese on top along with ¼ of the mixture on half of the tortilla. Fold over the other half and cook until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Happily serve 🙂.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

350 kcal / 20g protein / 50g carbs / 6g healthy fats

Photo credit: Lauren Allgood, Pinterest

Bran Muffins

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Makes 12

Need help getting enough fibre? Try these fibrous and easy to make bran muffins! (No electric beater required!). Add it to your breakfast or grab it as a snack! The fibre will keep you full and help keep you regular! Wheat bran not only contains B vitamins, minerals and some protein, but also has soluble fibre – which forms a gel in your gut trapping some cholesterol and removing it 🤯! So why not try these yummy muffins that can improve gut health along with your heart health ❤!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (87g) wheat bran
  • 1 ⅓ cups (165g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (68g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon, ground (optional)
  • 1 ⅓ cup (330 ml) 2% milk
  • ⅓ cup (75 ml) canola oil
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a medium sized bowl, combine wheat bran, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set it aside.
  3. In large mixing bowl, combine milk, egg and oil with a whisk. Add dry ingredients and stir only until combined.
  4. Scoop batter evenly into twelve muffin pan cups greased with cooking spray or lined with paper muffin liners. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until a fork/toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Serve warm.

⚠ Always remember to increase fibre intake slowly and to have more water when you have more fibre to avoid discomfort! Talk to a dietitian to find out if you are having enough.

Nutrition Information (per muffin):
161kcal / 4g protein / 23g carbohydrate / 3.5g fibre / 7g healthy fat

Photo Credit: AllBran