Getting Swim Suit Ready!

How do you like that title? But seriously... I have been looking  for "healthy" recipes. The cause might not just be to look and feel good in my swim suit... rather to look and feel good on inside as well as the outside. You know the kind of recipe... high in fiber, low in calories, and protein rich without the animal fat... but packed with a lot of flavor! I stumbled upon an article on the website PopSugar, 45 Healthy Dinners, All Under 500 Calories. So far I have tried 3 of the recipes and to my surprise they met each of my requirement. I will definitely be making them again. The one I would like to share with you is Chickpea and Kale Stew, don't let the name scare you. It was simple to make and it was one of those dishes that got better as the ingredients were together.

Chickpea and Kale Stew

From One-Dish Vegan by Robin Roberston

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2- inch dice

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cups vegetable broth, plus more if needed

6 cups chopped steamed kale

(I used a 16 ounce bag of chopped frozen kale)

1 red or green pepper, chopped

1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 .5 ounce) can of chickpeas, drained

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. 

2. Add the garlic, potatoes, coriander, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and tomato paste and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. 

3. Add the broth and kale and cook, stirring occasionally, to wilt the kale. (or thaw)

4. Stir in the bell pepper, tomatoes with their juices, chick peas, and salt, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes, adding a little more broth if desired. 

5. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2.5 Cups

Calories 502

Total Fat 9.4 g 

     Saturated Fat 1.3g

     Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol Omg

Sodium 757 mg

Potassium 2160 mg

Total Carbohydrates 85.3g

     Dietary Fiber 20.4g

     Sugars 16.2g

Protein 23.9g

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Healthy-Recipes-Under-500-Calories-30403413#photo-30403413

If you decide to make it, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Stay Sweet...

Kelly