Category: Healthy Bites

Healthy Bites - Turkey Pot Pie
Healthy Bites - Turkey Pot Pie
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Now that the Thanksgiving Feast has passed you may ask yourself, “What am I to do with all of my turkey leftovers?” Well, this month’s segment provides you with an easy, no-fuss, delicious solution: Turkey Pot Pie! This comfort food is packed with healthy vegetables, a creamy sauce, fantastic golden crust, and of course that wonderful turkey! Happy Cooking!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, and peas)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups chopped leftover Thanksgiving turkey
1 puff pastry sheet
1 large egg, beaten

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F. Lightly grease a pie dish or coat with non-stick spray.

2. To Make the Filling:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and mixed vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent, about 2 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in turkey; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

3. Carefully pour filling into greased pie plate. Top with puff pastry and gently cut 4 vents in the top of the crust with a sharp knife. Brush the top with a beaten egg.

4. Place into the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Healthy Bites - Skinny Taco Soup
Healthy Bites - Skinny Taco Soup
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Skinny Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 lb. Ground Turkey or Extra-Lean Ground Beef (93% fat)
4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1 Small Diced White Onion
1 (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) Pinto or Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz) Red Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11 oz) Whole Kernel Corn
1 (4 oz) Diced Green Chiles
2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning (**see below for substitution**)

Toppings: Tortilla Chips (strips or crushed), Diced Avocado, Light Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat until simmering.

Add ground turkey or beef and saute until browned, breaking up chunks and stirring with a long spoon for 4-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add remaining ingredients (except the toppings) to the pot, and stir to combine. Cover and simmer on low for 30-45 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm with desired toppings.

Chef Bonus!

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Using store bought taco seasonings isn’t ideal since it comes with extra preservatives and unknown ingredients, not to mention it is very expensive! Below you will find a recipe for homemade taco seasoning that you can make with items you probably have in your pantry already.

-1 Tbsp. chili powder
-1 tsp. garlic powder
-1 tsp. black pepper
-1 tsp. cumin
-1 tsp. salt
-1/2 tsp. paprika
-1/4 tsp. onion powder

Healthy Bites - Hoppin' John's
Healthy Bites - Hoppin' John's
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In the Southern United States the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for New Year’s is thought to bring prosperity in the new year. For this reason this month’s segment features 2 recipes that are sure to bring you luck and money in the near future (hey, it can’t hurt to try!).

Hoppin' Johns

Ingredients:

1.5 cups dry black eyed peas
1 Ham Hock
1 Onion, Chopped
4 cups water or chicken broth
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, for taste
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

Directions:

In a large pot place the peas, ham hock, chopped onion, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and cover with the water or broth. On medium high heat allow the pot to come to a boil and then reduce to medium low heat and cook, uncovered, for approximately 1 ½ hours.

After the peas are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat off the bone and stir back into the peas. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Texas Caviar

Ingredients:

½ Onion, chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Bunch Green Onions, chopped
2 Jalapeno Peppers, seeded and chopped
3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
1 (8 oz) Bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing
1 (15 oz) Can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) Can of Black-Eyed Peas, rinsed and drained
1 Bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Directions:

In a large pot place the peas, ham hock, chopped onion, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and cover with the water or broth. On medium high heat allow the pot to come to a boil and then reduce to medium low heat and cook, uncovered, for approximately 1 ½ hours.

After the peas are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat off the bone and stir back into the peas. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.