Food

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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4 low-cal dinners in 20 minutes or less

My husband, Dan, and I had a crazy-busy summer. We went on several really fun road trips and we ate a lot of unhealthy food that added a few extra pounds. So to get back on track and recharge our lives with healthy eating, we’re planning low-calorie dinners in advance and loading our weekly menu with 20-minute dinner recipes. Here are 4 meals on our menu this week:

1. Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa (recipe below) – Any cut of steak will work for this recipe, but we especially like the flavor and texture of rib-eye with these seasonings; look for steak that has been thinly cut. A cold ale, sweet potato fries and vinegary coleslaw can round out the meal.

2. Turkey & Fontina Melts – An elegant presentation of turkey layered with spinach and cheese, yet surprisingly quick to make. Round out the meal with a side of whole-wheat pasta, a salad and a glass of Pinot Noir.

3. Black Bean-Garlic Catfish – This dish is great for folks who are on the fence about catfish because the pungent black bean-garlic sauce balances the fish’s strong flavor. Serve with udon noodles or brown rice and sauteed broccoli with ginger broccoli.

4. Italian Vegetable Hoagies – This delightfully easy, and somewhat messy, sandwich packs a punch with sweet balsamic vinegar, artichoke hearts, red onion, provolone cheese and zesty pepperoncini. Serve with tomato and cucumber salad.

Get more ideas for easy low-calorie dinners.


Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa

8 ounces 1/2-inch-thick steaks, such as rib-eye, trimmed of fat and cut into 2 portions
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 plum tomatoes, diced
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1. Sprinkle both sides of steak with chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook, turning once, 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a plate, cover with foil and let rest while you make the salsa.
2. Add tomatoes, lime juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pan and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes soften, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and any accumulated juices from the steaks. Serve the steaks topped with the salsa.

Makes 2 servings

Per serving: 174 calories; 9 g fat (3 g sat, 4 g mono); 60 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrate; 20 g protein; 1 g fiber; 336 mg sodium; 421 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Zinc (27% daily value), Vitamin A (20% dv), Vitamin C (15% dv).


By Carolyn Malcoun

When associate editor Carolyn Malcoun came to Vermont to attend New England Culinary Institute, she knew she didn't want to work in a restaurant but knew that she wanted to do something in the food industry. Luckily she discovered EatingWell, where she's able to combine her love of food and writing.



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Comments 1-4 of 4
  • Habanero♥™'s Avatar
    Posted by Habanero♥™ Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:55am PDT

    YUM!!!!!! That steak looks wonderful!

    Report Abuse
  • Geneva's Avatar
    Posted by Geneva Tue Oct 6, 2009 8:48am PDT

    Tried this last night and my husband and I loved it! It was simple to make.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-4 of 4

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