Meatless Monday

If you've followed this for a while, you know the routine: Today is Meatless Monday. Today's offerings include Stuffed Peppers and Applesauce Brownies. Enjoy!

ASIAN SESAME SLAW

Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings.Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Source: CanolaInfo

Recipe and image appear courtesy of CanolaInfo.org.

View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/asian-sesame-slaw.

Ingredients

Salad:

1/2 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced or grated

1/2 small head of red cabbage, thinly sliced or grated

6 green onions, sliced diagonally

1 large carrot, peeled and coarsely grated

1 Tbsp sesame seeds, white or black, toasted

Dressing:

1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup canola oil

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1 tsp sodium-reduced soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

Directions

In a large bowl, combine both cabbages, onion, carrot and sesame seeds.

Prepare dressing by shaking together rice vinegar, canola oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil.

Pour dressing over salad, toss and refrigerate before serving. Ideally, allow to stand in fridge for an hour or more to allow flavours to mellow. Re-toss before serving.

Notes:

Much lighter than a classic coleslaw, this colorful salad offers tangy flavor and crunch. Enjoy as an accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, tofu or pork.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 0.5 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 170 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Sugars: 4 g

SKILLET PEANUT BUTTER CINNAMON SPICE COOKIE

This comes from Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE at VeryWellFit, and begins, “This decadent yet low-carb skillet peanut butter cinnamon spice cookie is the perfect treat for someone with diabetes. It takes less than ten minutes of prep time, has only five grams of sugar per serving, and is made with blood sugar lowering cinnamon. Most importantly, it’s delicious!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 16.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 large egg

1 cup natural peanut butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup almond meal

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Non-stick spray

2 tablespoons peanuts, optional, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large bowl, beat egg until slightly frothy. Whisk in the peanut butter, brown sugar, almond meal, vanilla extract, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined.

Spray an ovenproof skillet lightly with nonstick spray. Pour batter into the skillet and spread evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with a few peanuts and press down slightly.

Place cookie on a rack set in the center of the oven and bake 10-12 minutes until puffed and golden around the edges. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

“This is one of my favorite treats to make because I always have the ingredients on hand! Whenever I’m craving something warm, gooey and sweet, I know this skillet cookie is only 20 minutes away.”

Nut Butters

Even in your pantry is looking bare, this recipe is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. You can use any type of nut butter – cashew butter and almond butter both work well. And if you’re in the unfortunate situation of running out of nut butter, you can make your own by blending a rounded cup of nuts with a tablespoon of oil in the food processor until if forms a creamy spread.

Sweeteners

I made these with brown sugar, which has a richer flavor than white sugar, although you could certainly substitute it in a pinch. You could also use pure maple syrup or honey, but be sure to reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees and cook it a couple minutes longer to prevent burning.

Nut-Free Variation

If anyone in your household is nut free, you can still make this cookie—just swap in sesame butter and leave out the almond meal. Made with sunflower seeds, it’s perfect for those with tree nut allergies.

Vegan Variation

For a vegan version, use a chia seed egg. Mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit to gel for about 10 minutes before mixing in the other ingredients.

This trick is a perfect one to remember next time you run out of eggs.

More Add-Ins

If you’re feeling extra decadent, load this cookie up with lots of healthy add-ins. In the mood for something chocolatey? Swap the almond flour for 1/4 cup cocoa powder, or stir in 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and flavanols. Want something fruity? Stir in a handful of frozen berries. This recipe is especially delicious with frozen wild blueberries.

Make an extra nutty cookie with different kinds of nuts and seeds, like walnuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Add a handful or two of dried fruit along with those nuts to make a granola inspired cookie. My favorite way to enjoy this cookie is with a handful of shredded dried coconut and dark chocolate chips.

Cooking and Serving Tips

This cookie is best when it’s slightly undercooked. The center might not look fully done when you take it out, but it will continue cooking as it cools.

Be sure to use a nonstick or well seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.

APPLESAUCE BROWNIES

Recipe Yield: Servings: 16

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/applesauce-brownies

Ingredients

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Combine oil, applesauce and cocoa. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients together and stir into the mixture.

Pour the batter into a greased and floured (or wax paper lined & sprayed) 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle on nuts (optional).

Bake about 20 to 30 minutes or until top is set but edges are not dried out. Toothpick will come out clean. Cut into 16 or 24 squares.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 165; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 84 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fat; 1 Fruit

STUFFED PEPPERS

Servings: 8

Source: The New American Heart Association Cookbook

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/238.shtml

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers, any color or combination

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)

1 medium crookneck squash, diced (about 2 cups)

1 medium zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup diced onion (1 medium)

2 medium cloves garlic, minced, or 1 tsp bottled minced garlic

2 cups cooked brown rice (1/2 to 2/3 cup uncooked)

1/2 cup grated fat-free or low-fat Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts (2 ounces)

1 cup no-salt-added tomato juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut peppers in half lengthwise, removing stems, ribs, and seeds. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom. Saute tomatoes, crookneck squash, zucchini, onion, and garlic until zucchini is tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Don't overcook.

In a medium bowl, combine rice, cheese, and water chestnuts. Gently stir into skillet. Stuff pepper halves with vegetable mixture. Place in 9-inch round or square casserole dish, then carefully pour tomato juice around peppers. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 119; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 68 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Low-Fat Milk, 2 Vegetable

OVEN-ROASTED FALAFEL

Recipe Yield: Yield: 20 falafel patties.Serving size: 3 falafels.

Source: Julie Van Rosendaal; CanolaInfo

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/oven-roasted-falafel.

Ingredients

1 (19-oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 small onion, chopped

2-4 garlic cloves, peeled

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp salt

pinch dried chili flakes

1/4 cup whole wheat flour (plus extra, if needed)

1 tsp baking powder

canola oil for cooking

fresh pitas, tzatziki, chopped cucumber, tomatoes and red onion accompaniments

Directions

Preheat oven to 425F .

Place chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, salt, and chili flakes in bowl of food processor and pulse until combined but still chunky.

Add flour and baking powder and pulse until it turns into soft mixture that you can roll into balls without sticking to your hands. (Add another spoonful of flour if it seems too sticky.)

Roll dough into meatball-sized balls and gently flatten each into little patty.

Place patties on heavy-rimmed baking sheet, preferably one that's dark in color. Brush each patty with canola oil, flip them over and brush other side.

Roast for 15 minutes, then flip them over and roast for another 10 minutes, until crisp and golden on both sides.

Serve warm, wrapped in pitas, with tzatziki, chopped cucumber, tomatoes and red onion.

Notes:

Falafel, crispy vegetarian patties made of chickpeas, garlic, onion and spices make an easy, inexpensive dinner or unique party food – serve small falafel balls with tzatziki for dipping.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Fat: 6 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 150 mg; Protein: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

BASIL FOCACCIA WEDGES

Recipe Yield: Yield: 12 servings.Serving size: 2 pieces.

Source: CanolaInfo

Recipe and image appear courtesy of CanolaInfo.org. Book Title: “The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil" from the American Diabetes Association and CanolaInfo

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/basil-focaccia-wedges.

Ingredients

1-1/2 Tbsp canola oil, divided

1 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1/2 pkg (8 oz) sliced mushrooms

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

1 pkg (13.8 oz) focaccia-style, refrigerated pizza dough

1/4 tsp dried red pepper flakes

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

2 small plum tomatoes, cut into 12 rounds total

1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

16 pitted kalamata olives, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 400F.

Heat 1 Tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onions; cook 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook 2 minutes, using two utensils to stir easily. Add garlic, cook 15 seconds and set aside.

On baking sheet, drizzle remaining 1/2 Tbsp canola oil. Use fingertips to spread oil evenly. Unroll dough onto baking sheet and shape into an 11 x 8 inch rectangle. Top dough with pepper flakes and mushroom mixture, spooning as close to edges as possible. Top with basil and arrange tomatoes in 12 even sections.

Bake 12 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella. Bake 6 more minutes or until deep golden on edges. Top with Parmesan and sprinkle evenly with olives. Allow to cool to room temperature.

When serving, cut into 12 squares, and then cut each square in half diagonally to make 24 pieces total.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 125; Fat: 4.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 320 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g