Very Simple Dinner: Quinoa, Sauteed Carrots and Seared Turkey Ham

Quinoa is an easy to prepare alternative to rice. Here's a section of the Wikipedia entry for its nutritional value:

In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlikewheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods.^[10] It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest.

1. Start off by rinsing and draining your quinoa.

2. Add one part quinoa to two parts water. I prefer chicken stock because it adds a richness to the flavor, much like when used to prepare rice.

3.Sauté one package of baby carrots with olive oil, garlic and basil.

4. Cut a 1/4 inch slice of turkey ham and sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side in a non-stick pan.

Favorite Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf by Bobby Flay

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed to a paste with coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (90 percent lean)
• 1 cup panko (coarse Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, garlic paste and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are almost soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Whisk the egg and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Add the turkey, panko, grated cheese, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and the cooled vegetables; mix until just combined.

Gently press the mixture into a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a small bowl; brush the mixture over the entire loaf. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

PHOTO UPDATE:

1. Place veggies in food processor.

2. Process until very finely chopped. 

3. Season meat with garlic paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and balsamic. 

4. Saute processed veggies in chicken broth until al dente. 

5. Let veggies cool, then mix into seasoned meat. 

6. Brush with glaze and bake. 

Banana Stuffed French Toast for 2

I always look for ways to make comfort food healthier. The bananas combined with the cinnamon give the filling a nice kick, and baking this French toast really adds a nice crispiness to the texture.

Ingredients

2 bananas

4 slices potato bread

1/4 cup 2% milk

2 egg whites

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Lightly spray an ovenproof pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.

3. Mash bananas in a small mixing bowl with a fork until they resemble chunky applesauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, milk, vanilla, and remaining cinnamon. Dip two slices of bread in the mixture for 30-45 seconds. (Dip one side only!)

5. Place the dipped bread onto the hot ovenproof pan, egg mixture side down. Spread desired amount of banana puree on the top of the slices. Dip remaining two slices and place them on top of the puree.

6. Cook bread for about two minutes on each side or until egg starts to brown. Transfer pan to oven for about 5 minutes, or until toast is brown and crispy.

7. Serve hot with drizzled maple syrup and powdered sugar.

1. Mash bananas with a fork and add cinnamon.

2. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.

3. Spread banana puree on bread. Can be done before or after dipping.

4. Dip remaining bread in egg mixture.

5. Place on ovenproof pan on medium heat.

6. Cook about 2 minutes per side.

7. After baking, serve warm with maple syrup and powdered sugar. I added red pears on the side.