Tag Archives: garlic

Lemon Parsley Pork Chops

February 2, 2010 admin Leave a comment

Super savory and very easy to make. The topping has such a burst of lemony flavor that you don’t want to stop eating !

4 servings
208 calories per serving

1 T oil
Pam
4 boneless pork chops (3 ounces each)
1/2 onion, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c hot water
4 T parsley, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of one half lemon

Heat oil and Pam in skillet on medium high heat. Saute the onion for 3-4 minutes. Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops and then add to pan. Cook 3 minutes. Turn meat over and add garlic and continue cooking another 3 minutes. Add water. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook 10 minutes.

Uncover and cook 5 more minutes. Remove chops to a plate and keep warm. Add parsley and lemon zest to pan. Cook down for about 2 minutes on high. Squeeze in lemon juice and cook down 30 seconds more. Spoon this mix over the chops and serve immediately.

Sides

Whole Wheat Garlic Toast

January 26, 2010 admin 2 Comments

This is so low cal and so satisfying. When serving next to pasta, I add a couple teaspoons of parmesan cheese. I serve this next to soups, salads, and alongside very light meals, because if I don’t have some carbs with my meal, I just don’t feel satisfied.

1 serving
50 calories per serving

1 slice 45 calories whole wheat bread
10 sprays I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray
Sprinkle of oregano flakes
1/4 t garlic powder

Spread butter on bread. Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder. Place in toaster oven until lightly browned.

Fish, Italian, Lunch, Salads, Summer

Caesar Salad with Shrimp

January 22, 2010 admin Leave a comment

This is a nice protein packed lunch that’s not short on flavor – add some extra garlic if you like your Caesar extra zippy.

2 servings
220 calories per serving

6 c chopped romaine lettuce
4 T shredded parmesan cheese
8 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 clove garlic, minced
2 T lemon juice
2 T low calorie Caesar dressing
Pam

Combine lemon and garlic in a small bowl and add shrimp. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour. Spray a skillet with Pam and add shrimp. Cook until pink about 3-4 minutes. Pour shrimp over lettuce and top with dressing and shredded cheese.

Asian, Sides, Vegetables

Homemade Lo Mein

January 13, 2010 admin 1 Comment

It is sooooo worth finding these noodles and making this dish. It is authentic, satisfying , soooo low cal considering the big portion you get and it is truly delicious.

4 servings
212 calories per serving

2 8 oz. packages of House Tofu Shiratake Noodles (available in most food markets and definitely in Asian markets. You’ll find them with the tofu products – SO LOW cal and so noodly!)
4 T olive oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 T green onions, sliced
1 c celery, sliced thinly
2 c carrots, shredded (buy them pre-shredded to save time)
3 T teriyaki sauce
3 T Kraft Asian Sesame Dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare noodles according to package instructions (rinse, microwave 1 minute, dry on a paper towel). Cut the noodles into 3 or 4 inch lengths. Using a pair of kitchen scissors makes this task easy. Heat oil in a non stick pan. On medium high, cook garlic, onions, celery and carrots. Cook 5 -7 minutes, until veggies are soft. Stir in noodles and press into a flat layer. Cook 3 minutes on high heat. Add the teriyaki and dressing and mix well. Cook 3-4 minutes longer on medium high heat.

Asian, Dinner, Fish, Kid Friendly

Asian Shrimp

January 13, 2010 admin Leave a comment

This sweet shrimp dish is best served with another Asian inspired dish, I choose to pair it with my Homemade Lo Mein. It cooks in just minutes and definitely is kid friendly with the sweet sauce. Just leave out the red pepper flakes if serving to young ones.

4 servings
239 calories per serving

1 T dark sesame oil
2 t minced garlic
4 scallions, sliced
1 lb. medium sized shrimp, peeled and cleaned with tails off
1/4 c water
2 T soy sauce
4 t cornstarch
2 t red pepper flakes
2 t Splenda brown sugar
4 t toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Heat oil on medium high heat. Add garlic and onions and saute for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cool 6 minutes or until shrimp is just about done. While the shrimp cooks, combine water, soy sauce, cornstarch, pepper and sugar. Pour over shrimp in skillet and cook 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens up. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Italian, Sides, Vegetables

Sauteed Escarole

January 12, 2010 admin Leave a comment

This is one of my favorite dishes at Italian restaurants. It may seem like a lot of escarole to start, but it cooks down a TON. My version is the super garlic version – feel free to tone it down by using half the recommended garlic !

4 servings
87 calories per serving

2 T olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 c cleaned and chopped escarole
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 t garlic powder
OPTIONAL – 1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes

Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute, stirring constantly so that the garlic does not burn and get bitter. Add escarole a few handfuls at a time and mix every 30 seconds or so making sure all escarole comes in contact with the bottom of the pan so it heats and wilts. Once wilted a bit, add salt, pepper, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking 5 minutes or until to desired doneness. You can take it off while there is still some crunch to the larger pieces, or I like to cook it all down quite a bit and serve it very wilted and cooked.

Lunch, Soups

Cuban Black Bean Soup

January 12, 2010 admin Leave a comment

Black Beans are a great source of fiber and a great, filling addition to many salads, stews, etc. In this purer form, their earthy flavor really comes out.

4 servings
368 calories per serving

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 small red onion
2 garlic cloves
2 T olive oil
1 c water
1/2 c sofrito (jars are sold in the Mexican section of your grocery store – near the Goya products)
2 T cilantro leaves
8 T light sour cream (2T per serving)

Place red onion, garlic and sprigs of cilantro in small food processor and puree. Remove and set aside. Place oil in small sauce pan and heat. Add garlic and onion mix and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Place beans, water, sofrito and 1 T cilanto leaves in blender. Blend on medium speed until desired consistency – I like some big chunks left in mine, so I don’t go too crazy here. Stir into saucepan and heat through. Pour into bowls and top each bowl with 2 T sour cream and serve immediately.

Dinner, Italian, Pasta

Cavatelli with Escarole

January 11, 2010 admin Leave a comment

This is one of my absolute favorites and I have made it many times. It’s a great meal to serve for guests as they do not feel like they are on a diet (just give them bigger portions) and you don’t have to break your 400 calorie habit when entertaining !

4 servings
359 calories per serving

8 oz frozen cavatelli
1 1/2 t oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb. escarole
1 can small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 c low fat chicken broth
1/4 t salt
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese

Cook the cavatelli according to package instructions. Drain and keep warm. In a Dutch oven or large pot heat oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Clean the escarole, trimming away any bad spots and getting rid of the tough outer leaves and then chop it or tear it into pieces about the same size you would make them for a salad. Add a handful of escarole at a time to the pot stirring until it is all mixed well. Cook 5 minutes. Add the beans and cook 5 or more minutes, or until the escarole is wilted. Add the broth and salt and garlic powder and cook 5 minutes. Add the cavatelli and cook a minute or so, just to heat through pasta. Remove from pan, sprinkle with cheese, and serve immediately.

Sides, Vegetables

Green Beans and Potatoes

January 10, 2010 admin Leave a comment

This really dresses up green beans and the added potatoes make it more satisfying than just a regular bean casserole. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, substitute a can of diced tomatoes. Don’t skimp on the cilantro, it gives this dish a nice flavor burst. This dish really calls for Mise en Place preparation, it makes the steps go much easier.

8 servings
70 calories per serving

1 1/2 T oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 c diced red potatoes, skin left on
1/2 c chopped cilantro
1/2 c celery, sliced thinly
1 pound green beans, ends removed
3/4 lb. plum tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 c water
1/4 t fresh ground black pepper
1/4 t red pepper flakes
Salt to taste

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Do not let the garlic brown or it will become bitter. Add potatoes, celery and salt and sauté 4 minutes. Add the beans and sauté another 3 minutes. Add water. Cover and cook 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, reduce heat and cook 4 minutes longer or until tomatoes soften. Stir in pepper flakes and serve immediately.

Sides, Vegetables

Spinach with Mushrooms

January 9, 2010 admin Leave a comment

Both spinach and mushrooms are low on the calorie scale, but high on the flavor scale. Combine them for a great tasting very low calorie side dish that you can whip up in just minutes.

4 servings
52 calories per serving

2 shallots, sliced thinly
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 c beef broth
3/4 t oil
4 oz fresh or canned mushrooms, sliced or quartered if button
1 lb. baby spinach leaves
1/4 t pepper
1/4 t salt
¼ t garlic powder

Combine shallots, garlic, 2T broth and oil in skillet. Cook 5 minutes or until shallots are softened. Add mushrooms and the remaining broth and cook 5 more minutes or until mushrooms are softened. Place on high heat and add spinach a bit at a time and stir until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add salt, garlic powder and pepper and serve.