Recipes With a Twist
in 10 minutues
Suji Kheer
Aug 5th
By Amanat Khullar
This morning I had an urge to eat something sweet. I wanted to keep it quick, healthy and ofcourse “YUMMY” to satisfy my cravings.First thought that popped in my mind was kheer. Since calorie amount can be a bit scary in rice kheer, I decided to use suji instead of rice and 1% milk instead of whole milk.If you are not familiar with Suji (semolina), it is a nutritious Indian wheat granulated but not pulverized. It has a lot of health benefits but the one I remember is that my mother used to give me suji halwa with warm More >
White Chocolate and Craisins Haystacks
Nov 26th
White Chocolate Craisins Haystacks
Here is a super simple and delicious holiday treat that as the name suggests looks like a ‘Haystack’. I have seen recipes with lot of different ingredients but I liked the one with pretzels and peanuts the best. It could be because that these two are also my personal favorites when I need something to munch on. Peanuts are a good source of protein and Pretzels, a relatively low fat and low calorie snack, add subtle saltiness to the delicate white chocolate treat. I decided to add some craisins in the mix as well. They need no baking More >
Basil Pesto and Tomato Sandwich
Nov 12th
Basil Pesto and Tomato Sandwich
Here is an easy to put together lunch-ready in less than 5 minutes and can be prepared ahead and packed to go. It is a no brainer if you have some Pesto on hand. I usually prepare a big batch of Pesto and keep some frozen. The sandwich when combined with a healthy side qualifies for the ’400 calories or less’ lunch category.You need:
2 slices of bread, I used white bread 1 tbsp Basil Pesto 1/2 medium tomato 1/2 tbsp butter (I used I can’t believe its not Butter spread) salt and pepper to taste
1. Spread Pesto More >
Creamy Pesto Macaroni
Aug 18th
Creamy Pesto Macaroni
I wanted to try making it ever since I noticed my son liked a ‘Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta’ from a local Italian restaurant. That inspired me try making Basil Pesto Sauce and this is what I made first using the Pesto sauce. This is not a perfectly low calorie dish. I can say it might be lighter than what I have looked online for an easy Alfredo or white sauce. It makes a creamy, indulgent and very flavorful pasta (thanks to the Basil Pesto) that I think everyone should enjoy once in a while. I used elbow macaroni as my More >
Tortellini with roasted vegetables
May 27th
Tortellini with Roasted Vegetables
Here is a great example of under 500 calorie dinner. Very easy to prepare and great on taste buds. 500 calorie dinners are part of Fitness magazine’s popular diet plan when combined with moderate exercise helps you lose weight in a healthy manner.
Tortellini pasta is anyways filling and addition of roasted vegetables adds a lot of flavor and bulk without adding too many calories.
You need:
1/2 cup boiled tortellini pasta (I used 3 cheese filling) 1/2 cup pasta sauce (about 90 calories ) 3/4 cup roasted vegetables 1 tsp grated parmesan cheese dash of Tobasco or red pepper flakes (optional)
1. More >
Baby spinach salad with carrot and cucumber ribbons
May 2nd
Baby Spinach Salad with carrot and cucumber spinach ribbons
With days warming up a bit, I prefer having salads for lunch or as a side (sometimes bigger than a side portion) for dinner. I am big fan of low calorie salsa based Mexican style salads-which one of these days I will put together for my blog as well. However, these days I am experimenting with baby spinach and carrots and I am loving it. Here is a low calorie salad with a light home made dressing made with buttermilk. I use carrot and cucumber shavings that add lot of crunch to the More >
Lemon Rice with Carrot Raita
Apr 16th
Lemon Rice
This is yet another favorite dish that I make when I have leftover rice on hand and (as usual) I am in a hurry to put together a delicious yet healthy meal. This version of Lemon Rice is based on traditional South Indian flavors although I am not sure if I always follow the tradition religiously and do try different variations now and then.Carrot Raita
I usually serve this rice with ‘Carrot Raita’ – Yogurt based condiment that is used as a side or sometimes a dip as well. There are numerous types of ‘raitas’ that you can make More >
Hawaiian Toast
Feb 23rd
Recipe by Heidemarie Swanepoel
Hawaiian Toast
Today we visited Gran, and she dished up my childhood favourite treat. When we came home from school, on a cold or wet day, she would be standing by with a delicious slice of Hawaiian Toast. My kids love it now, just as much as I loved it then (and still do!)Ingredients: (per slice of toast)
1 slice of toasted bread 1 slice sandwich ham 1 pineapple ring (canned) 2 – 4 slices cheddar cheese Butter (optional)
Pre-heat your grill. Toast your bread, and butter it. Start off by placing your ham on the toast. Place the pineapple ring More >
Fisherman’s Toast
Feb 17th
Posted by : Heidemarie Swanepoel
Today I got a new idea for a toasted open sandwich. I needed to get some brain-food and Omega 3 into my bloodstream, and opted for a tin of sardines. Tomatoes are rich in anti-cancer agents, and cheese – well melted cheese is just absolutely yummy. How could I not add that.
Ingredients: (per slice of toast)
1 slice of toasted bread
1 – 2 sardines
1 – 2 slices cheese (mozzarella is delicious)
2 – 4 slices tomato
Salt and pepper to taste
Pre-heat your grill.
Toast your bread, and butter it.
Start off by placing your tomato slices on the toast.
Cut the sardines in More >
Toasted Avocado Sandwich
Jan 31st
By Heidemarie Swanepoel
Avocado Sandwich
I found a few yummy looking Avocados in the supermarket today, and my mouth literally watered for them. So when I got home I made these toasted sandwiches. I prefer sweet and my hubby prefers salty, so I made two variations. Let me know which one you prefer.
Ingredients: (per person)
- 2 slices of toasted bread
- 1 Avocado (small), or ½ if it is large.
- Sweet Variation:2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
- Salty variation:Salt and pepper to taste
- A good swirl of sweet chilli sauce, or regular chilli sauce
Method:
- Pre-heat your grill.
- Toast your bread, and butter it.
- Mash the avocado, and spread generously on the toast.
- For the More >
