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Friday, January 10, 2014

Caramelized Onions in the Crockpot

They may seem simple but onions add quite a pop to whatever dish they're added too.  Eaten raw onions carry a bite, yet have a sweet savoriness when caramelized.  In addition, they're very low in calories so you don't have to worry about piling them on to other dishes.  I even like to eat these caramelized onions by themselves sometimes.  The best part about this recipe is that the preparation takes all of 5 minutes.

I put these on veggie burgers or other sandwiches, on top of grilled portabello mushrooms, alongside a plate of other veggies, or thrown in pasta sauces.

 Caramelized Onions

Raw ingredients in Crockpot

Cooked Caramelized Onions


Ingredients:
-5 medium-sized yellow onions, thinly sliced
-2 Tbs coconut oil
-1 tsp sea salt
-Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions:
Spray inside of Crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.  Add sliced onions, followed by salt and coconut oil on top.  Cover and cook for 8 hours, stirring halfway through.

Serve and enjoy!



Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Millet, Avocado, and Corn Salad

Millet is known as being the grain of the poor.  Able to grow in dry and infertile soil, millet is incredibly popular in highly impoverished or populated countries.  Don't let that deter you, though.  Here are just some of the benefits of this humble grain and its comparison to another popular grain, quinoa:

1) Gluten-Free
2) Lower in fat than quinoa
3) Cholesterol-Free (as any grain is)
4) Lower sodium than quinoa
5) Same protein value as quinoa
6) Higher in carbs than quiona
7) Equal in calories per unit of weight as quinoa
8) Half the price of quinoa!!!

The price of of millet is what's particularly appealing to me (look for it in the bulk bins of your local health food store for the best value).  As a certified health nut, I love to eat fresh and organic.  I choose to invest in my health and what I put into my body as I know that, in return, I have more energy, look better, feel better, and will have to spend less on doctor fees and medication in the long run.  However, eating healthy can be expensive so when I like to save where I can. 

This millet salad is hearty and satisfying and can be served as a meal or side dish. 


Millet, Avocado, and Corn Salad

Ingredients:
-1 cup millet
-2 cups water
-3 avocados, cubed
-1 ear fresh corn off cob
-1/2 large red onion, chopped
-1 handful cilantro, chopped
-1 tsp black pepper
-2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:
Cook millet either on stove or in your rice cooker.  I used a rice cooker on the "white rice" setting with two parts water to one part millet.  Follow instructions that come with your rice cooker.  Allow millet to cool, add all remaining ingredients, and stir gently.  Chill and serve!  I would recommend adding the avocado right before serving the salad so that it doesn't oxidize and turn brown. 

Enjoy!

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Roasted Broccoli & Tofu

This is one of my go-to dinners.  Easy, filling, and savory, I especially enjoy eating this in the fall and winter for dinner.  The best part is that, beside the spices, this recipe only uses two ingredients (broccoli and tofu).  You can roast other ingredients in this as well.  I have used carrots, cauliflower, and fingerling potatoes in the past.  Potatoes require a little extra time, so if adding them I would recommend boiling first or roasting a little in the oven before adding the rest of the vegetables.



Roasted Broccoli & Tofu

Ingredients:
-1 lb frozen broccoli
-2 Tbs olive oil
-1 tsp turmeric
-1 tsp sea salt
-1 tsp black pepper
-1 tsp minced garlic
-1 tsp onion powder
-2 tsp crushed rosemary
-1/2 block extra firm tofu, cubed
-Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425˚.
In a gallon sized Ziploc bag, add the broccoli, olive oil, and spices.  Close bag tightly and shake until broccoli is coated with oil and spices.  Add the tofu and lightly shake. 
Evenly spread ingredients on a large cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping broccoli and tofu halfway.  Broccoli and tofu should be lightly browned and crispy.
Plate and enjoy!  I often eat this with half an avocado, brown rice, or marinara sauce for dipping on the side.