Super Bowl, The Day After. Recipes You Need for Recovery.

in Blog Post 6 comments

If Americans had an unspoken motto it might just be “go big, or go home.”

We live that motto to it’s fullest and The Super Bowl is no exception. We treat the Super Bowl like a national holiday. We plan the perfect snack table, we make sure to find coordinating cups and plates, we paint our faces and wear our team’s colors. With the amount of time and preparation that goes into planning these day-long food fests, it’s no wonder then, when Monday rolls around, we are all suffering from “The Super Bowl-Induced Food Coma.”

Did you pop too many jalapeño poppers last night? Or devour dip after dip and spicy chicken wing after fried chicken wing? Fear not! My fellow dietitian foodies and I have plenty of delightful “recovery” recipes for you to enjoy. So, stop feeling bad about what you ate last night and instead, try one of these recipes to get you back on track. And maybe, if you’re going to “go big” again (when it comes to the buffet table), just go home instead. 

 

The Awesome Recipe Collection

Spring Rolls with Honey-Soy Dipping Sauce: Sara Haas RDN, LDN (ahem, yours truly!)

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Carrot and Jicama Slaw: Christy Wilson Nutrition

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Amaranth Buddha Bowl: Shaw Simple Swaps

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Golden Kale Tahini Salad: Nourish RD’s

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Cook Once, Eat Thrice – Grilled Chicken Schwarma: MJ and Hungryman

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Chicken Sausage, Kale and Broccoli Frittata: Nourish Breathe Thrive

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Gluten Free Black Bean and Jalapeno Cauliflower Tostadas: Kara Lydon

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Arugula Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Bacon: Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

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Wild Blueberry, Blood Orange and Ginger Smoothie: The Grateful Grazer

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Grapefruit Kale Salad: Dietitian Debbie Dishes

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Everyday Lentil Salad: Food, Pleasure and Health

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Cashew Coconut Recovery Milk: Avocado a Day Nutrition

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Wild Blueberry Mojito Smoothie Bowl: The Average RD

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Greek Salad with Marinated White Beans and Tzatziki: Salubrious RD

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Vegetarian Rice and Bean Casserole: Jenna Braddock RDN

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Want More? I thought so! Five More Awesome Recipes Just for You!

Healthy, Low-fat Mexican Avocado Chicken Salad: Abbey’s Kitchen

French Toast with Apples, Pecans and Greek Yogurt: Amy Gorin Nutrition

Step By Step Guide – Rolling Fresh Spring Rolls: Emily Kyle Nutrition 

Green Chia Lemon Smoothie: Homemade Nutrition

Banana Split Smoothie Bowl: The Nutritionist Reviews

Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing

in Recipes 1 comments

Chickpeas are your new best friend…

Why? Because they are awesome for you nutritionally (high in fiber, plenty of amazing vitamins and minerals, vegetarian protein, etc) and they taste great so many different ways.

Think I’m just pulling a crazy dietitian stunt on you?

No way! I love tasty food just as much, if not more, than you do. I would never recommend a food that I didn’t deem “tasty.” Now way!

But why chickpeas Sara?

Chickpeas are the underdog in the bean world seeming to only really be appreciated for their necessity in making hummus. Boo to that I say! Chickpeas belong front and center and here’s just the dish that does that.

Meet my Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing!

This salad is booming with flavor and it’s not only craveable, it’s addicting. Nothing beats lots of fresh parsley and lemon and when you add in creamy tahini, you’ve got a dressing that really shines.

So here you go my friends, my Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing!

 

And here are the pretty pictures:

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Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing

  • Author: Sara Haas
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Description

A refreshing, yet hearty salad made with chickpeas, bell peppers, parsley all tossed in a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red or orange bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1cup)
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup parsley, chopped
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In the bottom of a mixing bowl whisk together the garlic, tahini, lemon juice and honey. Add the olive oil and continue whisking until combined, then add the water. Toss in the chickpeas, bell pepper, red onion and parsley and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

  • Makes about 3 cups

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 198
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 237
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Protein: 7
  • Cholesterol: 0

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cookinRD on Instagram

Cacao Pretzel Snacks

in LUNCH / Recipe Redux / Recipes / SNACKS 5 comments

Cacao.

It’s a fun word. Say it. Seriously, say it out loud. Super fun, right?

Fun and popular, cacao sure is sitting pretty these days. It’s trendy and it’s hip…even though it’s really nothing new.

Nope, cacao has been around for awhile. Never heard of it? Sure you have, it’s also known as cocoa, the more modern-ish term we typically use here in America. Cacao (and cocoa) refers to the dried beans from the cocoa tree. Generally, cacao is synonymous with the unroasted or raw version of the cocao bean, with cocoa being the roasted and sometimes more processed cacao bean. Cacao can be turned into everything from “nibs”( essentially broken pieces of cacao beans) to powder.  

If cacao isn’t new, then why this surge in popularity? Well my guess it’s because people are looking for all kinds of ways to add a nutritious boost to their smoothie bowls, oatmeal, shakes and everything in between. Cacao is a good choice then as it’s got a pretty nice nutrition profile, containing several antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and iron. But like anything, enjoy in moderation.

Looking to try cacao beans? Then try my recipe below for Cacao Pretzel Snacks. They are super easy to make and provide a nice introduction to cacao. 

And a big thank you to the Recipe Redux!  This recipe was inspired by this month’s theme of building a recipe using an ingredient I’ve never used before. 

And the Pretty Pictures of Cacao Pretzels Snacks:

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Cacao Pretzel Snacks

  • Author: Sara Haas
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Description

A simple snack made with whole grain pretzels, Greek yogurt and cacao nibs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon Turbinado sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons plain, low-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons cacao nibs
  • 20 whole grain pretzels twists

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Place the yogurt and cacao nibs in separate small bowls.
  2. Dip half of each pretzel in the yogurt, then the cinnamon sugar mixture and finally in the cacao nibs. Place coated pretzels on a clean sheet pan and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from the freezer and enjoy.

Notes

  • Mix it up! Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture or add crushed nuts to the cacao nibs. Have fun by coming up with your own, unique flavors!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 124
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 520
  • Fat: 1
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 0

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cookinRD on Instagram


 


Basic Black Beans From Scratch – Recipe Redux

in Recipe Redux / Vegetables, Grains and Other Sides 15 comments

Looking to “amp-up” your freezer-meal arsenal? Have no fear, because my Basic Black Beans are here!

Ok, so that was a little hokey, but it’s true! This month’s theme for the Recipe Redux was to share one of our favorite freezer meals. Immediately, I thought of my favorite recipe for basic black beans. How many times have they saved my life? More than I can count, let’s just say that.

What’s so great about these beans? EVERYTHING!

I’m not joking. They are just an all-around hero in my house and let me tell you why. First, they are made from scratch and that makes for some pretty perfect beans. Oh, I hear you mocking me about that, but hear me out. When you cook beans from scratch, you get to flavor them and control their firmness. Have you ever tried to eat a bean from a can, just by itself? It’s not that great, right? Generally flavorless and slightly on the mushy side, right? Well, those beans have their purpose, but not when I just want to sit down and eat a bowl full. Second, these beans are freezer champions. Meaning, you can stick these beauties in the freezer and then break off bits and pieces when you want them. It’s amazing and such a time saver!

Oh, I can almost hear you now…”Sara, this is great, but what the heck am I going to do with all of these beans?”

Don’t freak out! I wouldn’t leave you hanging like that! There’s sooooo much you can do with these. First, you can literally just eat them out of the pot like soup. Top a bowl of black beans with Greek yogurt, a little salsa and cheddar cheese and you’ve got an amazing meal. Or, drain them and add them to tacos or burritos. Still not buying it? Try mashing them up and putting them in a quesadilla or on top of a piece of whole grain toast along with some avocado. Sound good? Whew…now go make them and see for yourself!

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Basic Black Beans From Scratch

  • Author: Sara Haas
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Description

With just a little planning, delicious black beans can be yours to be used in any meal. These beans freeze well, so enjoy some now and stick them in the freezer to have later.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black beans, sorted and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano

Instructions

The night before

  1. Place the rinsed black beans in one or two large, sealable container(s) and pour enough water over them to cover by a few inches (they’ll expand a little, so give them room!)

To cook the beans

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot set over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin seeds, stirring and cook an additional 1 minute.
  2. Drain the beans from the soaking liquid (you can toss the soaking liquid) and place in the pot with the onions and cumin. Add the water, garlic and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Stir, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover partially with a lid. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 50 minutes to 1 hour, Add the salt and cook an additional 15-20 minutes or until the beans are tender, but still holding their shape.
  3. Remove beans from the heat and stir in the Mexican oregano.
  4. Serve as is for the perfect side dish or drain and add to tacos or quesadillas. They can also be served as soup and topped with Greek yogurt, chopped tomatoes and fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Makes about 6 cups drained black beans.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 146
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 8
  • Fat: 2
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 8
  • Cholesterol: 0

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cookinRD on Instagram


 


In A Rush? Try this Hummus Sandwich!

in LUNCH / Recipes / SANDWICHES / Short and Sweet Series 2 comments

Why I made this recipe: Because I need things to be simple sometimes, yet I also want them to taste good and be relatively healthy. I mean, who doesn’t want that? Or, should I say, why wouldn’t we all want that!?

Why I love this recipe: It requires no cooking which means my kitchen (and all of those in it) stay cool. It’s quick and easy to put together, something your kids could definitely help you do. It’s loaded with flavor, especially if you use a delicious hummus that’s loaded with good things like veggies or garlic. I also love it because I utilized a simple restaurant trick of dressing the greens before putting them in this sandwich. Yum, it’s a step you shouldn’t skip!

How this recipe is healthy: It seems I am turning into a bit of a vegetarian these days. Or maybe I am just having a summer love affair with vegetables? I can’t help it, they are so good. So, this recipe is loaded with healthy, nutrient-rich vegetables and accented with a tiny bit of full-flavored feta cheese. The dressing on the greens is made from olive oil (yay to unsaturated fat!) and the hummus is a great spread that adds flavor without adding excessive calories and fat. Pile it all on some seriously delicious, whole-grain bread, and you’ve got yourself a winning dish that would make any dietitian (or mom) proud!

And here are the pretty pictures:

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The Fast Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

  • Author: Sara Haas
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Description

A simple sandwich loaded with fresh vegetables, hummus and feta cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups baby spinach or arugula leaves
  • 8 slices whole wheat bread (use good, hearty bread for this)
  • 1 cup hummus (plain, roasted red pepper, garlic, whatever!)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup sliced tomato

Instructions

  1. In the bottom of a mixing bowl, combine the mustard, vinegar and garlic. Whisk in the olive oil and season with black pepper. Add the spinach or arugula and toss to coat.
  2. If desired, lightly toast the bread slices. Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface and spread 1 tablespoon of hummus onto each slice. On half of the slices, add the feta, cucumber, spinach and tomatoes. Top with other bread slice and serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 363
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 669
  • Fat: 17
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Protein: 13
  • Cholesterol: 8

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cookinRD on Instagram

Black Bean Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette

in LUNCH / Recipes / SALADS 11 comments

Well, it’s officially September and it’s blazing saddles here in Chicago. That means it’s time to be creative in the kitchen. Read, “how can I cook without cooking?” Luckily, Mother Nature is on our side during the warmer months, providing us with a wealth of fresh produce that requires very little preparation. How kind of Her! So, to keep the sweat at bay, I created this hearty bean salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

If you’ve got a can opener and a knife, you’re all set for this recipe. Just pop open a couple of cans of beans, then chop up some fresh veggies and you’ve pretty much got this dish made. Lots of beans and veggies means you know it’s good for you, which is just an added bonus, really. Then, to jazz it all up a bit, I’ve created a tangy, yet sweet vinaigrette made from fresh lime juice and zest as well as honey, mustard and olive oil. That’s it! So easy, just like I promised.

Serve up a big bowl of this tonight for dinner and save the rest to munch on during the week. This salad tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.

P.S. – If you’re not in the mood to cook an ear of fresh corn, you can substitute thawed corn or canned corn. See, so easy!

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Black Bean Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

  • Author: Sara Haas
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Description

This delightfully healthy dish comes together fast and it not only looks beautiful, but tastes great too.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad

  • 1 ear of fresh corn, shucked and cleaned (or about 1 cup corn kernels)
  • 1 can (15 ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or any other bean will work here too)
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional)

For the dressing

  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • sea salt, to taste

Instructions

To prepare the salad

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and return to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the corn under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry and when cool enough to touch, cut kernels from the cob and add to a large serving or mixing bowl.
  2. To the same bowl with the corn, add the beans, peppers, onion, cilantro and jalapeño, if you’re using it. Toss to combine.

For the dressing

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mustard, lime zest, lime juice and honey. Whisk in the olive oil.

To serve

  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat the beans and vegetables. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Toss again before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe makes between 7 1/2 and 8 cups salad.
  • You don’t have to let this salad sit in the fridge before digging in, but it does taste so much better when you do!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 201
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 140
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 0

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cookinRD on Instagram

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