Garbanzo Bean and Kale Salad

Put Together This Delicious and Healthful Salad in Just a Few Minutes
In just a few minutes, you can slice up some raw kale, open a can of garbanzos, chop up some vitamin C packed red bell pepper and red onion and mix up a quick lemon, turmeric and oil dressing.
The added bonus is the spice turmeric which reduces inflammation and has been used for rheumatoid arthritis, and has been linked to the prevention of Alzheimer's and the ability to fight a number of cancers.

This is a super healthy, oh-so-yummy salad.

Serves 4

  • 1 Tbs. freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. Sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground Turmeric
  • dash Cayenne pepper
  • 1 -1/2 c. Kale, thinly sliced
  • One 15 oz can organic Garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 Tbs. red Onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 c. red Bell Pepper, diced

Place the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, turmeric and cayenne pepper in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.

Add sliced kale to the salad dressing and massage the dressing into the kale with your hands. (Your hands may turn a little yellow!  Just wash with soap).

Add garbanzo beans, red onion and red bell pepper and mix well.

Serve or refrigerate until serving. This makes a great "make ahead" salad since none of the ingredients get soggy.

~ Yum! ♥

Asian Slaw

Fresh, tasty, healthy and crunchy..what more can one ask ?  

For the salad

8 c. organic Napa or other green Cabbage 2 Tbs. Green Onions, thinly sliced 1 large Carrot, peeled and shredded 1 Tbs. seedless Raisins 1/4 c. sliced Raw Almonds

 

For the dressing 1 tsp. crushed Garlic, about 1 clove 2 tsp. grated fresh Ginger 2 Tbs. raw Tahini 1 tsp. Stevia 2 Tbs. light Soy sauce 3 Tbs. rice Vinegar or raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar 1 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil 1 tsp. cold pressed Flax-seed oil pinch Cayenne

Combine the salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.

In a smaller bowl, blend the garlic, ginger, tahini and Stevia to form a thick paste. Slowly add the soy sauce, vinegar, oils and cayenne and mix thoroughly.

Add to salad, toss well and serve.

Note:  This recipe has 6gr of fiber to 20g carbs... very good on based on our Good Carb Formula.

~ Enjoy! ♥

Flourless Almond-Butter Apricot Cookies

This is a somewhat delicate cookie since it is flourless. 1 c. roasted Almond Butter, drain off oil 2/3 c. Xylitol (or 1 Tbs. Stevia) 1 omega-3 Egg 1/4 tsp. Vanilla or Almond extract 1/3 c. dried Apricots, chopped

Preheat oven to 350º.

Using mixer, beat almond butter and xylitol until blended. Add egg, vanilla and apricots.

Form into 1-inch balls and place in rows on large, ungreased baking sheet.  With a fork made a criss-cross patter on each cookie to flatten.

Bake 12-14 minutes.  Oil will pool as they cook.

Cool thoroughly on baking sheet to keep from crumbling.

P.S. You can make this a Vegan recipe by substituting 1 Tbs. freshly ground flax seeds for egg.

~Bon Apetit! ♥

Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing

Quinoa is a high quality protein, that is also high in iron. Quinoa, once called “the gold of the Incas, is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. Quinoa is a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids.

Ingredients

2 c. water 1 c. uncooked red quinoa 2 organic scallions, chopped 1 stalk organic celery, finely chopped 1/2 organic apple with skin, finely chopped 2 Tbs. organic parsley, chopped 2 Tbs. virgin olive oil 1 Tbs. lime juice 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. salt

Combine water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a  boil. Reduce heat' simmer, covered, 10-12 minutes or until water is absorbed. Stir. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a large non-metal bowl, and set aside.

Add apple and veggies to quinoa and toss.

Combine oil, lime juice and spices, whisk until blended.  Pour over salad and toss again.

Makes 6 - 8 servings

~Guten Appetit! ♥

Fruity Coleslaw

This is a refreshing warm weather salad.  It has good for you low-sugar fruits, and our cruciferous friend the green cabbage.  4 cups or 1 16 oz. package shredded green organic cabbage 2 carrots, grated or strips 1 Granny Smith organic apple, cut into matchsticks 1 just ripe organic pear,  cut into matchsticks 1 c. sliced organic strawberries 1/3 c. lemon juice 2 Tbs. Vegenaise 1 Tbs. Xylitol or 2 packets Stevia 2 tsp. poppy seeds 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. salt

Combinethe cabbage and fruit in a large bowl.  Whisk lemon juice and the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl.

Pour dressing over slaw and toss gently.  Serve immediately.

Makes about 7 cups

~ Buon appetito! ♥

Curried Quinoa and Greens with Coconut Dressing

This recipe contains ingredients that enhance Cellular Damage Control! Quinoa contains the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.

Quinoa, once called "the gold of the Incas, is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. Quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard.

The recipe below adds Kale, another 'fantastic food'.

One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6, 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

Kale’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and excellent source of antioxidants, and sulphur-containing phytonutrients. If you make the recipe with Green Tea instead of the other suggested liquids, you'll dramatically increase the Antioxidant benefits!

Curried Quinoa and Greens

Makes 6-7 servings about ½ c. each

  • 2/3 c. red Quinoa
  • 2-½ c. Water, Green Tea or no-sodium Veg Broth
  • 3 c. young Kale, lower stems removed, and chopped into bite size pieces
  • 1 tsp. Curry powder
  • Pinch Sea Salt

Coconut Dressing

  • 3 Tbs unsweetened light Coconut Milk
  • 2 tsp. fresh squeezed Lime juice
  • ¼ tsp. Curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Stevia
  • ¼ c unsalted, dry roasted Almonds

Toast the quinoa for 5-6 minutes in a 4-quart sauté pan over med heat, until fragrant, gently stirring from time to time.  Add water or broth, kale, curry and salt; cover and raise temp to high.  Bring to a boil.

Lower heat and simmer until the quinoa and kale are tender, the quinoa ‘tails’ have popped, and liquid is absorbed, about 15 mins.

Remove pan from heat and transfer mixture to a large bowl.

In a small bowl, place the coconut milk, lime juice, ¼ tsp. curry and stevia, and whisk together briskly.  Pour the coconut mixture over the quinoa and toss to combine.  May be served warm, or chilled.

Sprinkle with almonds just before serving.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Thai Yellow Curry Paste

By now you're sure to know that Curry is a food we are encouraged to eat frequently. The ingredient that gives it its lovely yellow-ish color is Turmeric, containing the powerful Antioxidant, Curcumin. Read about this amazing, healing spice here.

Thai Yellow Curry Paste

  • 1-2 red or Green chilies, or 1/2 to 1 tsp. Cayenne pepper
  • 2 organic Shallots (or 1 small onion)
  • 1 thumb-size piece Galangal root or Ginger, sliced
  • 3-4 large cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp. ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp. ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. whole Cumin seed
  • 1/8 tsp. fresh Nutmeg, or substitute cinnamon
  • 3 Tbsp. Fish sauce (available at Asian stores)
  • 3/4- 1 tsp. Turmeric
  • 1 Tbs. Xylitol or 2 tsp. Stevia
  • 1-2 fresh or frozen Kaffir Lme leaves, snipped into small pieces with scissors (discard central stem), or substitute bay leaf
  • 1 -14 oz. can Coconut Milk
  • 1 Tbs. fresh Lime juice
  • 1 Tbs. organic Ketchup

Toss all in food processor and blend. Refrigerate.

~ Easy peasy! ♥

'Curl up with a Book' Dairy Free Hot Chocolate

Yes, there are treats we can have on this diet!  Just gotta stay in the guidelines... :o) If you want a sweeter version you may add 2 tsp. Xylitol or a packet of Stevia.

  • 1 can unsweetened Coconut or Almond Milk
  • 1-1/4 oz. finely chopped Dark Chocolate (75% cocoa+)

Heat milk in small pot until hot - not boiling.  Add chocolate and stir until it is completely melted.  Sprinkle with Cinnamon. (opt.)

~ Yum! ♥

Knockout Cannellini Bean Soup with Kale

Very yummy, filling and worth adding to your Recipe files!  This can be made with Organic Free-Range Chicken Broth if desired.

Cannellini Bean Soup with Kale

Serves 6.

  • 1 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 c.  organic Onion, diced
  • 1 c. Celery, diced
  • 1 c. organic Carrot, diced (1 cup)
  • 1 tsp. fresh Rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
  • 1 tsp. fresh organic Basil (1/2 tsp. dry)
  • 1 Tbs. of chopped Garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • One 14.5 oz can organic diced Tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp. Cumin
  • 4 c. organic Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 4 packed cups organic Kale, cleaned and sliced
  • Two 15 oz cans Cannellini beans
  • 1 Tbs. fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Tbs. of grated Rice or Almond Cheese

Pour olive oil in stock pot over medium heat and wait 1 minute. Add the onion, celery, carrots, rosemary and basil, and sauté over low to medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook another minute.

Add tomatoes, cumin, vegetable broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Wash the kale well. Remove and discard the lower half of stalk, then slice. Add kale and beans to the pot, bring back to a low boil and simmer, covered, until kale is tender (about 5 to 10 minutes).

Turn off the heat, remove bay leaf, add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.

Top each bowl of soup with 1/2 tablespoon rice or almond cheese if desired. Serve with a nice whole wheat loaf of crusty, whole grain bread. (I like Trader Joe's Tuscan Whole Wheat Tuscan Pane - 4g fiber to 23 carb). Click here for 'good carb' formula.

~ à votre santé! ♥

Fasoulia (Lima Bean Stew)

This is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods! Mom made Fasoulia practically every other week, because we loved it. It's the Lebanese equivalent of Chili, except we serve it over rice. I often omit the meat for a tasty vegetarian version. Traditionally either Lima or Pinto beans are used, but my family ask for Kidney beans.

This recipe is high in fiber and protein, and is rich in lycopene...a cancer fighter, especially for prostate cancer.

Fasoulia or Lebanese Lima Bean Stew

  • 1 Tbs. extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 medium white organic Onion, chopped
  • 6 oz. grass-fed Beef or Lamb, cut into 1/2" cubes (omit for Vegan version)
  • 1 1/2 c. boiling Water or hot Green Tea
  • 4 cups organic Lima, Kidney or Pinto beans (boiled or canned)
  • 2 Tbs. organic Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp. Allspice
  • 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. Black pepper
  • 1 - 1-1/2 tsp. Sea Salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Place medium size pot over medium heat for 1 minute. Add olive oil to pot and wait 2 minutes. Add the onion and gently saute, stirring, until they turn translucent. (Remember to turn heat down a little if the onions start to really sizzle, we don't want to burn the oil.)

Add the cubed meat, and stir until meat is no longer pink on the outside. Add boiling water, cover and simmer on low heat for 25 -30 minutes, until meat is tender.

Add the beans, tomato paste and spices.  Return heat to medium.

If needed add another 1/2 c. of water to keep liquid level with beans. Stir well. Once stew begins to bubble, cover and simmer for another 20 minutes. Taste and adjust salt.

Serve over Brown and Wild Rice or Whole Wheat Bulgur Pilaf.

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

Boost Your Immnue System with Mushroom Soup

This homemade soup captures some of the anti-cancer features of more expensive immune-enhancing soups.  Unlike Sun Soup, it is inexpensive and tasty. Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to improve specific immune markers and contribute significantly to healing processes by stimulating the body’s immune system. They contain high concentration of fiber and act as prebiotic, antioxidant, and antibiotics. They hold anti-hyperlipidemic, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic ability in addition to helping many health conditions such as asthma, ulcers, and kidney inflammation.

Read more about the health benefits of mushrooms here.

Mega Power Mushroom-Lentil Soup

  • 1/4 lb. shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/4 lb. maitake mushrooms
  • 1/4 lb. oyster mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 c. dried mung beans (pre-soak)
  • 1 1/2 c. dried French lentils (pre-soak)
  • I/4 head green cabbage, sliced in strips
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 leeks, chopped
  • 5 cloves of garlic, crushed and peeled
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 Tbs. olive oil
  • 4 c. purified or spring water
  • Sea salt or Tamari to taste

NOTE: If you cannot find fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms are widely available, in the market or over from the Internet. Pre-soak until they are soft, then sliced. Also pre-soak the mung beans and lentils.

Peel the garlic cloves, crush them with flat side of knife.  Wait 10 minutes, and then mince them.

Add the garlic and all the remaining ingredients and cook at a slight boil for two hours, stirring occasionally. Season with reduced-sodium tamari (soy sauce). Try pureeing in a blender. Refrigerate surplus after eating.

Consume one cup of this soup per day, 3-4 times per week.  You may add any other fresh, organic vegetables.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Healthy Stir-fried Veggies

The important thing about sauteing any foods is to keep the oil below burn point. Foods added to the oil should not 'sizzle' much.  You want to aim for 7 cups of vegetables a day (4c. cooked).  This recipe will yield 2-3 servings, more if you have a salad with your meal.

Hoda's Healthy Stir-fried Veggies

  • 1 inch piece of Ginger, chopped
  • 4 c. organic Broccoli, cut up
  • 4 stalks organic Celery, cut up
  • 1/2 White Onion, sliced thin
  • 6 organic Green Onions, cut in 1 inch pieces with green tops
  • 4 organic Carrots, cut up
  • 1 organic Baby Bok Choy, sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tsp. Sesame oil mixed with 2 tsp. organic Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbs. Tamari or Soy sauce (gluten-free)
  • 2 tsp. Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Stevia or 1 tsp. Xylitol
  • 2 tsp. Cornstarch mixed in 1/3 c. Water or Green Tea

Place a large saute pan over medium heat for 2 minutes. Pour in the oil mixture. Wait another minute then add the ginger, stirring.

When it starts to wilt add all the veggies except the Bok Choy and garlic.  Stir for a 3 -4 minutes, then cover, turn heat to low, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Add Bok Choy and stir to mix.  Cover again for 2 minutes.  Add garlic and stir.

Mix wet ingredients and add to pan, mixing with veggies for 2 minutes until they are all coated and sauce has thickened.

~ Enjoy. ♥

Tasty Black Bean Dip

Recent research has shown that black beans provide special support for digestive tract health, and particularly our colon. The indigestible fraction (IF) in black beans has recently been shown to be larger than the IF in either lentils or chickpeas.

While some of the total carbohydrate content in black beans is lost along with the discarding of the soaking water, the amount of resistant starch remained unchanged. (Resistant starch is a type of carb that will typically make its way all the way down to the large intestine without being digested. Once it arrives in the large intestine, it can help support the growth of desirable bacteria in that area of the digestive tract.)

The seed coat of the black bean (the outermost part that we recognize as the bean's surface) is an outstanding source of three anthocyanin flavonoids: delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin, as well as the super anti0xidant Quercetin.

Read more here.

Black Beans, cooked

Black Beans, cooked

Serve Dip toasted whole wheat pita bread triangles (toast them yourself in a toaster oven), or high fiber crackers. Also good with carrots and celery.

Tasty Black Bean Dip

  • 2 c. cooked drained organic Black beans

  • 4 tsp. organic Tomato paste

  • 3 Tbs. Water or Green tea

  • 2 cloves organic Garlic, minced

  • 2 tsp. organic Lime juice

  • 1/2 tsp. ground Cumin

  • 1/2 - 1 tsp. Sea Salt (or to taste)

  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper (to taste)

  • 2 organic Green Onions, chopped

  • 2 Tbs. organic mild Green chilies, chopped

  • Olive oil (optional)

Process all ingredients except green onions and chiles in a blender or food processor until smooth. nd Place in a serving bowl and garnish with the green onions and chiles (or stir them in).

I like to drizzle a little olive oil on top. 

Makes 2 cups

~ Buen provecho! ♥

A Delicious Fruit Salsa

I was looking for a tasty but out of the ordinary appetizer to serve at a function and stumbled on this recipe.  It was a big hit and fit with my diet beautifully so I want to share it with you. If you are not partial to spicy foods, omit the jalapeno.

This makes about 4 cups, and since it doesn't store very well, you may halve the recipe.

Spicy Strawberry Kiwi Peach Salsa

  • 2-1/2 ripe organic Peach - peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 2-1/2 organic Kiwi, peeled and diced
  • 10 fresh organic Strawberries, diced
  • 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 Tbs. and 1-1/2 tsp. Lime juice
  • 2-3 organic Green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 c. and 1 Tbs. chopped fresh organic Cilantro
  • 2-1/2 pinches Sea Salt

Combine the peach, kiwi, strawberries, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, green onion, cilantro, and salt in a bowl; gently stir to combine.

Very tasty on whole grain crackers or as a salsa with a mild fish, or roasted chicken.

~ Enjoy! ♥

Oaty Spiced Bran Muffins

These are tasty bran muffins.  The oats and applesauce lend fiber to make these a healthy alternative to breakfast cereals.

Muffins_2

Spiced Oat Bran Muffins

  • 2 c. Oat Bran (4 c. Rolled oats)

  • 1 tsp. Sea salt

  • 2 tsp. Baking powder

  • ½ tsp. Cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp. Ground Cloves

  • ¼ tsp. Ginger powder

  • 1 tsp. pure Stevia

  • 2 c. Coconut or Almond milk

  • ½ c. unsweetened organic Applesauce

  • ¼ c. Pasture-Raised Ghee or Coconut oil

  • 1 high pastured Egg or 2 Egg whites

  • ½ c. Sunflower seeds (opt.)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease or line muffin tins.

If using rolled oats, grind them in blender to give them crumbly consistency of oat bran.  You can also substitute 1/3 c. dried figs for the applesauce.

Mix the oats with salt, baking powder, spices, stevia and sunflower seeds in a large mixing bowl.

In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Pour milk and all the wet ingredients into blender and blend until mixed well, and figs (if using) are incorporated.

Carefully pour liquid into dry ingredients and stir quickly using a minimum of strokes to avoid making muffins tough.

Fill muffin tins 2/3 - 3/4 full.  Bake for 20-25 mins or until done.

~ Good with hot tea. ♥

Moqueca - Brazilian Spicy Fish Stew

I modified the recipe to meet the breast cancer diet recommendations.

You can turn down the 'heat' by using half the amount of chili peppers in the recipe. Remember that we don't want to saute in HOT oil.  Overheating oil turns it into a carcinogen.  Only use medium heat and add ingredients to the oil before it is hot or reaches its burn point.  The food should not 'sizzle' when you add it.

Although this method won't cause the usual browning, recipes are still tasty and so much better for you.

Tip: Whenever a recipe calls for cooking oil I use a 50-50 combo of olive and coconut oil...this boosts the burn point of the olive oil.

Moqueca

6-8 servings

  • 2  lbs. Wild Cod, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 c. roughly chopped organic Onion, plus 1/2 cup julienned Onion
  • 2 c. roughly chopped organic Tomatoes, and 2 Tomatoes cut into 1/4" rounds
  • 2 cloves Garlic, and 1 Tbs. minced Garlic
  • 5 Tbs. chopped fresh organic Cilantro
  • 2 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 3 Tbs. fresh-squeezed Lime juice
  • 1/4 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or coconut oil, or blend 50-50)
  • 1/4 c. Piri Piri, recipe follows
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can Coconut milk

Place the fish in a large glass or plastic mixing bowl. In a blender, combine chopped onion, chopped tomato, the 2 cloves of garlic, 1 Tbs. of the cilantro, 1 tsp. of the salt, and lime juice. Blend until smooth, then pour directly over the fish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the oil. Wait 1 minute (do not allow to reach sizzle point).  Add the julienned onions to the pan and sauté, stirring, about 4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Pour the fish and the marinade into the pan and add the remaining tsp. of salt, the Piri Piri, and the coconut milk.  Stir to combine.

Cover pan until the liquid comes to a slow boil.  Place  the sliced tomatoes on top and cover again.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until the flesh starts to flake, about 10 minutes.

Remove the cover from the pan and sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of cilantro over the fish. Serve accompanied by cooked barley or whole wheat Bulgar.

Piri Piri:

  • 1 Tbs. plus 1/2 c. extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 5 cloves Garlic, crushed with 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 3 Cayenne Chile peppers, chopped; stems, ribs and seeds removed (or substitute hot red peppers)
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed Lemon juice

Place a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan. Wait 1 minute and add the garlic and peppers.

Sauté, stirring often, until the edges of the garlic are barely golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the lemon juice to the pan, and remove from the heat.

Place the contents of the pan in a blender and add the salt. Puree until mostly smooth. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil through the feed tube of the blender, processing as you do. Let cool before using. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Yield: 3/4 cup

~ In good health! ♥