Thai Tilapia

I recently discovered a new magazine called "Clean Eating". Improving your life one meal at a time is its catch phrase. Thought it sounded interesting so I bought it. I LOVE IT! Healthy, Green and Great food is what its all about. Tonite's dinner is a recipe I found inside. ( I actually asked for this magazine subscription for my a birthday gift ). Its Thai Tilapia with Basil and Pineapple couscous. Pineapple and Basil is a traditional pairing in Thai Cuisine. Its the bold combinations of fragrant Basil, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce that gives this dish a wonderful flavor. I, of course had to make this my own by adding a couple of Thai Chilis to the couscous dish. I wont be chopping them up, and they are dried, so when they reconstitute they will add some nice flavor to the dish. Just remember to remove them before serving. Its not a chili you want to eat! I also used chicken stock instead of water to make the couscous. It adds sooo much more flavor to the couscous. Play with a recipe. Add things you like and try it. The recipe is just a template for you to create something!  This recipe serves 4.

Tiapia with Basil Pineapple and Edamame Couscous

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple diced ( about 12 oz )

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves thinly slice ( chiffonade )

1 tbs low sodium soy sauce

juice and zest of 1 lime

2 tbs whole wheat flour

1 lb tilapia fillets 4 peices

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp paprika

1 tsp + 1 tbs olive oil

1 cup uncooked couscous ( I only use Whole wheat but regular is fine )

2 cups frozen shelled edamame ( rinsed under cold water until defrosted )
2 thai red chilis
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Instructions:
1. Place half of pineapple in food processor with half of basil, soy sauce and lime juice and zest. Blend until smooth. set aside
2. Season Tiliapia with salt and pepper and coat both sides with flour.
3. Heat small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tbs oil and couscous and toast for 1-2 minutes until gives off a nutty aroma.  Add edamame, remaining pineapple and 2 cups of stock, and 2 thai red chili's and bring to a boil. stirring once or twice. Turn off heat and cover. Let rest for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
4. Meanwhile heat large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tbs oil, When oil is hot, add tilapia and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until a crisp crust forms and fish is cooked through. Add remaining basil to the resting couscous and stir. Divide couscous mixture and tilapia into 4 servings. Drizzle tilapia with 3 tbs pineapple soy mixture. Nutritional information says that this recipe is 417 calories per serving. Total fat - 11 grams, total carbs-44g, protein 38g, and fiber 9g. That sounds good in my book. Remember its all about portion size. Or at least thats what I am learning now. A healthy, nutritious and delicious tasting dinner. Quick and Easy to make! It was sooo yummy! I served it with a side of Arugula with some Mango Chili Vinegar and Olive Oil. Sorry guys, I keep forgetting to take pictures. I had the camera in my pocket but sat down to eat and completely forgot. This picture is the leftovers in containers! LOL Remember- Life is full of Tasty Morsels!

Sausage with Peppers and Onions.....healthy style

Mom went to Uncle Guiseppe's yesterday and picked up some Chicken Sausage. I have to check the nutritional information on it, but it has to be better than Pork Sausage. Going through the refrigerator and pantry I decided to make Mom's old Sausage and Onion Casserole, only Healthy style. Instead of the Pork Sausage I will be using chicken sausage. Instead of frying up the onions and peppers, they get sliced and baked in the oven with the sausage. Its pretty easy, and mom always made it when we were kids.
Mom's Sausage with Peppers, Onions and Potatoes Healthy style:
1 package Chicken sausage about 5-6 links cut into bite size peices ( approx 5-6 a link )
3 medium onions peeled and large dice
2 bell peppers (any color) large dice
6 medium potatoes large dice
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Cut the sausage into approximately 5-6 pieces per link. Peel and cut the onion approx same size as the sausage. Wash and chop the potato into approx 6 -8 peices per potato ( approx same size for everything ).
Wash and remove seeds and ribbing from bell peppers and large dice. Place in stainless or glass baking pan and spread out,toss with olive oil and salt and pepper Make sure everything is lightly coated with oil. Dont overcrowd. Bake at 350degrees for about 45 minutes covered. Remove cover, and bake another 20-30 minutes until browned and somewhat crispy. Make sure when serving - each person gets onions, peppers, potatoes and sausage. Delish! A new twist on an old favorite! and Remember.....Life is full of Tasty Morsels!

Sloppy Jose's

Tonight we are serving up some Tex-Mex Sloppy Joe's. Found the recipe on one of my many Diabetic E-News letters. Trying to limit my intake of Red meats, I decided to go with some ground Turkey. Ground Turkey a nice lean protein makes this a nice low fat meal. I am always looking for new ways to use ground turkey. Its a fairly inexpensive lean meat and very versatile. You can pretty much substitute it for any ground meat recipe. I have already made a BlackBean and Corn salad for my side dish. Another low fat, protein filled dish.

Tex Mex Sloppy Joe's:

2 tsp oil ( canola )
2 med onions chopped
1 med green bell pepper
1/2 cup whole kernal corn ( today I am using frozen but would normally roast off some corn on the cob )
2 cloves garlic
1 jalepeno finely chopped
1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
3/4 cup ketchup
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
6 rolls ( WHOLE WHEAT )
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, corn, garlic, and jalepeno chili. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in ground turkey, chili powder, cumin and oregano. Cook for 10 minutes until turkey is no longer pink. Stir in ketchup and worcestershire sauce and simmer on low for 30 min. I cook it alot longer than necessary to really concentrate the flavors. Divide mixture among rolls and enjoy. Remember, life is full of tasty morsels.....
PS- Sorry I forgot to take a pic!