Chic Galleria » turkey

Three Bean Turkey Chili

Kristin Cuccio — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:24:15 +0000

I’m here again with another feel good recipe. With the “chili” months approaching this will surely warm you up on a cold day, and again, is figure friendly!!

What you need:

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1lb lean ground turkey

1 package (1 ounce) reduced-sodium taco seasoning

1 can corn

1 can (15 ounces) black beans

1 can (15 ounces) northern beans

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans

1 can (16 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 cans (14.5 ounces) tomatoes w/ chiles

1 small onion

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Low fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Spray a 6- to 8-quart pot with nonstick spray. Warm the oil in the pot over medium-high heat. When the oil’s hot, add the onion and brown, then add the ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink. Add the taco seasoning and stir until the meat is well coated with the seasoning, add the corn*, beans*, broth, and tomatoes. Season with salt and cinnamon and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Sprinkle some low fat cheddar cheese, instead of a spoon, serve with a side of tortilla chips and enjoy!

Nutritional Facts:

Calories – 265.6

Fat – 7.4

Saturated Fat – 0.6

Cholesterol – 22.5

Sodium – 972.5

Carbohydrates – 33.2

Total Sugars – 6.9

Dietary Fiber – 8.5

Protein – 23.7

*Note: all beans and corn should be rinsed and drained before adding to the chili

Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells

Editor — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells With Arrabbiata Sauce

Serves 6 to 8

1 (12-oz) box jumbo pasta shells
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 c. chopped, yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground turkey
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, divided
1 (8 to 10-oz) package frozen artichokes, thawed and coarsely chopped
1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped, fresh basil
2 tbsp. chopped, fresh parsley
Arrabbiata Sauce
1 1/2 c. grated mozzarella

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender, but still firm, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain pasta.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and starting to brown. Add the ground turkey, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is slightly cooked through.
3. Add the artichoke hearts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled turkey mixture with the cheeses, eggs and herbs. Add the remaining salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. To stuff the shells, cover the bottom of a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with 1 cup of Arrabbiata sauce. Take a shell in the palm of your hand and stuff it with a large spoonful of turkey mixture (about 2 tbsp).
6. Place the stuffed shell into the baking dish, and continue filling the shells until the baking dish is full (about 24 shells).
7. Drizzle the remaining Arrabbiata sauce over the shells, and top with the grated mozzarella.
8. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until the shells are heated through.

Arrabbiata Sauce

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
6 oz. sliced pancetta, coarsely chopped
2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups marinara sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute about 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Add the garlic and saute about 1 minute, or until tender.
3. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer.
4. Remove from heat and let cool until ready to use.

Photo Credit © Rafer | Dreamstime.com

Positive Changes

Martha Collins — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:15:30 +0000

Every January I resolve to try to live better. I try to make positive changes in my everyday choices that are healthier. I try to eat better, exercise more, and make myself healthier. This year I am trying to achieve this sensibly and not do anything too drastic. (I did give up caffeine this year, which was pretty drastic!) My goal this year, though, is to make small changes that are going to stick a little longer than a week. Changes I can live with.

I can change recipes a bit to be healthier so that my family can still enjoy their favorites, and enjoy health, too. I can walk around the block after each meal. I can park farther out in the parking lot and walk to the store. I also am trying to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. (That one will not happen I am afraid!)

We can change some things that are small, but can have a big impact on our health and well-being. One is start your day with a glass or two of water. It is great if you are on a reducing diet. It is also great for digestion. It is a great habit to get into.

Another thing you can do is change from margarine to a spread such as Smart Balance that contains no trans-fats. Olive oil spreads are good also, and taste great. Look, too, for spreads that contain omega 3. They are so much healthier than margarine and butter.

Another small change you can make is to use extra lean ground beef or ground turkey in your recipes. There is also a turkey breakfast sausage that is very tasty. Using these in place of ground beef can save you countless calories and fat, and they taste so good, nobody will even know!

Snack on celery and carrots if you want a crunch. Also, remember that it takes roughly eight minutes for your mind to tell your stomach it is full. Eat slowly and thoroughly enjoy each bite, and tune in to the little voice that says, “I’m full now.”

One last suggestion is to change to whole grain and whole wheat products. We need much more fiber in our diets. We need to up the intake by changing to whole wheat breads and cereals. They taste great and give your body what it needs. Plus, they make you feel full faster and stay with you longer than the other breads and cereals.

To live healthier we don’t need drastic measures, just smart choices. Try some of these and see how you feel!

Photo Credit © Gary Woodard | Dreamstime.com