Tag: low carb

Low Carb and Regular: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Vanilla Whipped Cream

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chocolatechipcookiecups

Who doesn’t love cookies and milk? Cookies and ice cream? Cookies and cream? These are just combinations that are timeless, comforting, and remind us all of our childhood. But why not be able to indulge in this cult classic as an adult?

Going low carb/Keto hasn’t been difficult for me because I don’t feel deprived. I have an admittedly insatiable sweet tooth, and making excellent alternatives to treats is what I love to do. I realize that sugar is my health downfall–I’ve eaten healthfully my entire life otherwise. Now, I have dessert almost every night (not huge, a little something sweet), and have lost over 40 pounds in six months. This is a dessert that can be enjoyed by all. However, I posted a regular carbohydrate/sugar version for those who want it. The steps are the same–all that changes it the type of flour/sugar/chocolate chips used.

Keto/Low Carb Ingredients: Cookie Cup Layer

  • 1 1/4 cup of blanched almond flour (140 g)
  • 2 tablespoons of ground flax (13 g)
  • 1/2 cup of erythritol (96 g)- I recommend Lakanto/Swerve the most!
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (1.5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt (3 g)
  • 1/4 cup of butter, softened (56 g)
  • 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, softened (28g)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips, divided (149 g)–I HIGHLY recommend ChocZero–they are the best!

Keto/Low Carb Ingredients: Vanilla Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons of powdered erythritol–I recommend Lakanto/Swerve the most!
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Keto/Low Carb Instructions

  1. First, combine dry ingredients. Add blanched almond flour, ground flaxseed,  erythritol, baking soda, and salt and whisk to combine.
  2. After combining the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients which are the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened beforehand!
  3. Next, mix until combined and then fold in the chocolate chips.
  4. Get a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour. That’s the secret!
  5. About 50 minutes into the chill, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Also, grease your cupcake tin.
  6. Once the dough is chilled, we are going to press the cookie dough into the bottom and sides of the greased cupcake tins.
  7. We are going to bake these cups for ten minutes.
  8. Note: If the cookie dough puffs up while baking, we are going to use the back of a buttered spoon to press it back into the perfect cup shape. It makes sense to wait until they come right out of the oven, and then gently use the buttered spoon to push the dough back into the shape it should be.
  9. Once they’re done baking, allow them to cool. Again, make sure they’re cup-like in shape; if you don’t fix it while it’s hot, they will stay in the shape they were left in.
  10. Cool in pans for 10 mins, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Next, line the inside of each cup of 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate chips. Spread the chocolate along the sides as well as you did the dough. Allow it to harden.
  12. While waiting for the chocolate to harden,  make the vanilla whipped cream.
  13. Whip up heavy cream, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract. Beat on high to form fluffy, stiff peaks.
  14. Once the chocolate shell on the inside of the cookie cup has hardened, we are going to fill each cup with two tablespoons of vanilla whipped cream. If you like, pipe the whipped cream for a nicer presentation!

 

Traditional/Regular Carbs: Cookie Cup Layer

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups mini chocolate chips semi-sweet or regular size, divided (1/4 cup is for the melted chocolate layer)

Traditional/Regular Carbs: Vanilla Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Traditional/Regular Carbs: Instructions

  1. First, combine dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, set aside.
  2. Beat butter and sugars on medium-high until pale and fluffy (approx. 2-3 minutes). Reduce speed and add eggs (one at a time), and vanilla. Beat until combined.
  3. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups reserve 1/4 cup for the chocolate layer).
  4. Get a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour. That’s the secret!
  5. About 50 minutes into the chill, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Also, grease your cupcake tin.
  6. Once the dough is chilled, we are going to press the cookie dough into the bottom and sides of the greased cupcake tins.
  7. We are going to bake these cups for fifteen minutes.
  8. Note: If the cookie dough puffs up while baking, we are going to use the back of a buttered spoon to press it back into the perfect cup shape. It makes sense to wait until they come right out of the oven, and then gently use the buttered spoon to push the dough back into the shape it should be.
  9. Once they’re done baking, allow them to cool. Again, make sure they’re cup-like in shape; if you don’t fix it while it’s hot, they will stay in the shape they were left in.
  10. Cool in pans for 10 mins, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Next, line the inside of each cup of 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate chips. Spread the chocolate along the sides as well as you did the dough. Allow it to harden.
  12. While waiting for the chocolate to harden,  make the vanilla whipped cream.
  13. Whip up heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high to form fluffy, stiff peaks.
  14. Once the chocolate shell on the inside of the cookie cup has hardened, we are going to fill each cup with two tablespoons of vanilla whipped cream. If you like, pipe the whipped cream for a nicer presentation!

 

 

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce

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salmon

Happy Saturday, everyone!

This is one of those recipes that is elegant enough for entertaining, but easy enough for a weeknight. It’s my famous Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce. My mother, who is an excellent cook, begs me to make this for her when I see her. One of my friends said something I found rather humorous. She said, “you know your recipe is good when your mom asks YOU for the recipe.” It’s true–most of the time, it’s the other way around. We always want our family members to pass down their secrets for which we cannot trade.

This salmon is so good that I’ve made it twice in a row this week! Many of my Instagram followers have been asking for the recipe. I did a demonstration on my story, so now I figured it would be best to write it down so you can enjoy it as often as I do!

P.S: If you’re following the low-carb or Keto diet, this will fit in well with your macros.

Ingredients (two servings)

  • 2 Norwegian, skin-on salmon filets (or any salmon you can find), ideally 10 ounces (5 ounces per serving–you can make the recipe if they’re smaller, but this is the best amount!)
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill (2-3 tablespoons should be minced!)
  • 1 lemon (half for slicing, half for juicing)
  • Heavy Cream (1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)
  • Butter (1 tablespoon)
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Paper towel dry excess moisture from salmon on both sides. Blot generously until very dry!
  2. Season skin side up with freshly cracked salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat a saute pan on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Next, drizzle a little olive oil (maybe a teaspoon), and grab a paper towel to evenly coat the pan for a good sear.
  5. Once the oil is heated, place salmon skin side down and sear 3-5 minutes.
  6. While the skin is cooking, put salt and pepper on the flesh side. Use your fingers/fork to gently press down to create contact with the pan. This will ensure you have a crispy sear on both sides!
  7. Once the time is up, look carefully underneath to look at the skin to ensure it’s golden brown and crispy!
  8. Once the skin is cooked as described above, flip over and cook the flesh side for 3-5 minutes. Like before, use your fingers or fork to press the salmon down to create a good sear! You know you’re ready to flip when you have a golden brown sear fully across.
  9. Remove salmon from pan and place on cutting board.
  10. Let the pan cool down. Once cooled, wipe out the excess oil with a paper towel. You will be using the same pan to make your sauce.
  11. In the same pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and whisk about 1/4 cup of cream (add up to 1/2 cup, depending on your preference).
  12. Increase the heat slightly and whisk constantly to thicken.
  13. Once the sauce thickens, lower the heat to low and add the juice of half a lemon, 1-2 tablespoons of freshly minced dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to whisk sauce occasionally.
  14. Put salmon back into the pan with sauce and squeeze more lemon on top of fish (use the other half of the lemon that was cut from before).
  15. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill on top and enjoy!

Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice and “Non” Naan (Garlic/Za’tar)

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butter1

Hello everyone!

You should watch my Youtube Video Tutorial to see all the steps in action!

I am obsessed with Butter Chicken–it’s one of my Indian go-to orders (but I also love, in no particular order, Navratan Korma, Chicken Korma, and Saag Paneer). This recipe I have today was an exclusive one from Cook’s Illustrated. I made a few tweaks to their version of Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani), but they deserve all the credit and praise for this one. I have tried many home cook renditions of this, and it just never has that authentic taste. This one absolutely does!

The spices absolutely matter–do not substitute them. Also, don’t use standard “yellow” curry powder–for this recipe, with a few simple spices you can find, you can make your own, and it’ll be that much better. In fact, I hand ground my spices (I had coriander and cumin seeds) with my mortar and pestle, and I think freshly grinding the spices took it to the next level, for sure.

And although I am team “make your own everything,” Garam Masala is a difficult spice blend to master. This, I would suggest, buying already prepared.

Garam Masala gives the Butter Chicken its sweetness (Garam Masala tends to be some sort of variation of cinnamon, cardamom, etc.). It’s absolutely divine.

In addition, this recipe is smart because it uses yogurt to tenderize the chicken, and there’s use of tomato paste (instead of sauce) for better concentration of tomato flavor. In addition, I made this recipe so that both low and high carb eaters can enjoy (yes, even the “non” naan).

Most of my readers know how much I love my cooking gadgets, and today, I would like to feature my Blackstone Griddle. For those of you who don’t know what that is, essentially it’s a flat top grill, and it is one of the most versatile tools I have. The reason I use my Blackstone for this recipe is because a.) my fire alarm goes off easily, so when I use my broiler, I will have an incessant headache, b.) the Blackstone has so much “real estate”–32 inches of room to evenly sear all my chicken and not smoke my house, and c.) I can multi-task–I was able to make my sauce by putting my cast iron pot right on the griddle top and still have room to sear the chicken.

If you don’t have a Blackstone griddle, no fret. Just broil as specified below (the Cook’s Illustrated way). Any sort of grill would work here! Cooking outdoors is just something I love so much.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken (4 Servings)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces and chilled, divided
  • 1 onion, chopped finely
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 4 teaspoons minced serrano chile
  • 3 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups of water
  • 1⁄2 cup tomato paste
  • 3 teaspoons sugar (or if you’re low carb, use a sugar substitute of your choice like Lakanto/Swerve–but use the powdered kind so it blends well)
  • 2 teaspoon table salt, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1⁄2 cup plain Greek yogurt (if you’re low carb, I use the plain “Two Good” brand as it has the least amount of carbs)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided

Cooking Steps for Butter Chicken Sauce

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and serrano and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is softened and onion begins to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add garam masala, coriander, cumin, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add water and tomato paste and whisk until no lumps of tomato paste remain. Add sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to boil.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in cream. Using immersion blender or blender, process until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Return sauce to simmer over medium heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove saucepan from heat and cover to keep warm. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; gently reheat sauce before adding hot chicken.)

Lei Mangia’s Method for Preparing Chicken (using a grill, preferably Blackstone Griddle)

  1. Dice chicken into small, bite sized pieces. Combine chicken, yogurt, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in bowl and toss well to coat. If you have time, leave chicken marinating for at least an hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat your grill on high (you’re looking for 450 or higher!) for a few minutes.
  3. Throw chicken with marinade on hot griddle/grill top and cook until caramelized and cooked thoroughly. Use tongs/Heavy Duty Griddle Spatula to keep chicken moving every minute or so.
  4. Put chicken aside to put into sauce later.
  5. Tip: The yogurt from the chicken will be left on the griddle. Scrape off your grill while it’s hot to make cleaning the easiest!

Cook’s Illustrated Method for Preparing Chicken (using an oven broiler)

  1. Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Combine chicken, yogurt, and remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt in bowl and toss well to coat. Using tongs, transfer chicken to wire rack set in aluminum foil— lined rimmed baking sheet. Broil until chicken is evenly charred on both sides and registers 175 degrees, 16 to 20 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through broiling.

Finishing Steps for Butter Chicken

  1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. While chicken rests, warm sauce over medium-low heat. Cut chicken into 3⁄4-inch chunks and stir into sauce, if you did Cook’s Illustrated method. If you did Lei Mangia’s, the chicken is cut into chunks already.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of cilantro and season with salt to taste.
  3. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with remaining 3 teaspoons cilantro, and serve.

Bonus Side Dish Recipes:

Basmati Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Indian basmati rice (or use jasmine rice, if difficult to find–good substitute)
  • 1-3/4 cups water
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Steps for Basmati Rice

**Please don’t skip rinsing the rice–it makes a difference!**

  1. Place the rice in medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Using your hands, gently swish the grains to release any excess starch. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the rice in the bowl. Repeat four times, or until the water runs almost clear. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the rice.
  2. In a medium pot, bring the water, butter, salt, and rice to a boil. Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid, then turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice is still too firm, add a few more tablespoons of water and continue cooking for a few minutes more.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Non “Naan” (Garlic/Za’tar)

**Or use actual Naan, if you have it/are making it!**

Ingredients

  • 2 pita bread/Naan bread (Pro Tip: if you are low-carb, you can use this. It works not just as a Pita, but also as a Naan substitute!)
  • 2 teaspoons of olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder (or use two cloves of fresh garlic!)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of za’tar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cilantro (optional)

Cooking Steps for “Non” Naan

  1. Preheat a pan/griddle to medium heat for two minutes.
  2. Put a light coating of olive oil down and brush oil on both sides of bread.  (About half a teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon)
  3. Cook each side for at least 30-40 seconds to soften.
  4. Drizzle remaining olive oil on top and put seasonings on top. Take off heat.
  5. Cut into eighths to make triangles (think of a small pizza).
  6. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Glazed Pork Belly Ramen (Carbs and Fewer Carbs)

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ramen

Happy Sunday!

I am embarrassed by how long it has been since I’ve last posted. I think in addition to being caught up with life, I have been somewhat apprehensive to post what I make as I have been doing the Keto/Low-Carb lifestyle since the end of July. Not everyone is on the bandwagon, nor should anyone feel forced/pressured to do so by my posts. Sometimes, I do miss cooking my regular meals, but for now, this is the lifestyle that I am pursuing, and I am happy to report that it is one where I feel great. I’ve lost 37 pounds (with a goal to lose 10 more), but most importantly, I have a lot more energy. I’m not as sluggish. My knee pain I had from hiking has never returned.

I know a lot of people on the Keto/Low-Carb lifestyle tend to sound like a MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) campaign, but truthfully, it has worked for me. I don’t like condoning or promoting it, but somehow, my results have inspired tons of people around me to try the lifestyle as well. I have been called the “Unofficial Keto Coach,”and I am okay with it. I’ve been trying to inspire people more so to feel confident that they can make food that tastes worthwhile that meets their dietary preferences. All it takes is patience and a willingness to research.

My last post was my Keto Italian Meatballs.  They are delicious and remind me of what I ate growing up. Since I’ve started this blog, I refuse to a post a recipe until I am 100% satisfied. And for anyone who knows me, I am entirely too much of a perfectionist, and thus, my posts have slowed. But I am starting to realize that I have inspired a lot of people to try this diet, and while the trend is there, I figured–why not continue post what I make each night?

Since I’ve started my journey, I have been challenging myself to try to make foods that not only suit my nutritional needs and dietary preferences, but also dishes that my husband, and other members of my family, can equally enjoy. I love to entertain, so I try to make dishes that not only meet my “macros,” but also are delicious and satisfying for someone who isn’t necessarily eating this way.

I am not going to sit here and tell you that it is easy to make everything Low-Carb/Keto friendly. It isn’t–I’ve had enough failures and disappointments to know. Keto baking is especially a tough challenge, but I have learned to love making my Keto Blondies! I will post those soon and attach a link when I do.

When it comes to Keto/Low-Carb Cooking, I’ve learned that when I want to re-create something I’ve made before, I have to be able to use almost all of the same ingredients for it to be the most successful. If you make too many substitutions, it resembles nothing of the original recipe. For example, one of my first recipes I made for Keto was a Chocolate Cheesecake. All the ingredients that naturally are in cheesecake (cream, eggs, cream cheese, butter, etc.) are already Keto–I just needed to replace the sugar and the graham cracker crust. And now that I’ve done this type of eating for about six months, I’ve come to love the sugar substitutes like Monkfruit and Erythritol (Lakanto and Swerve are my favorite brands). The only thing I don’t love is the price tag for all of these products…but hey, hopefully with more demand over time, the prices will go down!

Okay, enough about the Keto/Low Carb Lifestyle. Let’s get to the Ramen!

So as I said, when I cook, it has to meet the needs/tastes of not only me, but also my husband. While I appreciate his support, the truth is, the man doesn’t want cauliflower rice every night. He wants and needs carbohydrates (his activity level is insane). And noodles, my friends, have plenty. But I wanted Ramen…and I thought about all my cooking adventures thus far. Bone broth is a Keto staple and is super healthy (collagen, anyone?) All the ingredients other than the noodles themselves are Keto, so I thought about what I’ve been using as my pasta replacement lately: Tofu Shirataki noodles. I am not going to lie–they are NOT pasta, but when used in a broth, they fit the Ramen bill, for sure. P.S: My favorite pasta replacement so far is Palmini Noodles (Hearts of Palm). That’s been the closest.

For this recipe, I wanted to utilize the one-pot-wonder–the Instant Pot. They’ve become so popularized and cost-effective lately, which makes me happy! I don’t use it all the time, but for this Ramen, the pressure cooker makes an excellent stock. In addition, I love the sweet and salty flavors of Asian cuisine, but I knew I couldn’t use regular sugar/brown sugar. So I’ve called in Brown Sugar Swerve for my glaze. Also, soy sauce is arguably somewhat low-carb (there’s debate on that–I don’t want to get into it). Most Keto/Low Carb bloggers will tell you to either purchase Coconut Aminos instead of Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce). I have the latter, and I think it’s super flavorful and more accessible.

If you are looking for a recipe that you can make that is Keto/Low Carb that you can also share with someone who isn’t, this is the one! Just make the noodles separately and you’re good to go. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

2 pound pork belly

2 tsp salt

1 cup yellow onion, chopped (about one large onion)

4 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon of dry ginger powder)

2 ounces of package dried shiitake mushrooms

8 cups beef broth, low sodium

4 tbsp soy sauce (I used Tamari–you can also use Coconut Aminos if you’re into that!)

4 tbsp Swerve brown sugar (if you’re not trying to make it Low Carb, use regular brown sugar)

2 package Ramen Noodles, flavor packet discarded (This is for the person eating regular noodles)

1 package of Tofu Shirataki Noodles, drained (Low Carb/Keto people only!)

1/2 cup green onions, chopped (optional)

A few shakes of Trader Joe’s Umami Seasoning (optional–two shakes per individual bowl, stir in the broth before serving)

2 Japanese marinated soft boiled eggs (optional) <–Note: these ingredients are not Keto/Low Carb, so you could just make a regular soft boiled egg. However, these are the flavors for the traditional soft boiled egg you get in a good Japanese place.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pat pork belly dry with a paper towel and sprinkle generously with salt.
  2. Put about a tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot and put it on “saute” mode.
  3. Add pork belly to Instant Pot once it’s preheated, brown on 1 side for 3-4 minutes. Cook it with the fat cap down.
  4. Lift the pork belly up, and add onions. Stir around for a minute not to burn.
  5. Flip pork belly, brown on the other side 2-3 minutes and place on top of onions.
  6. Add garlic and ginger, cook 2 more minutes–stir occasionally.
  7. Hit “cancel” and then “pressure cook – high” and set for 25 minutes.
  8. Before closing the lid, add dried shiitake mushrooms and beef broth.
  9. Lock lid and switch pressure release button to “sealing”.
  10. While the Instant Pot is working its magic, take out the Tofu Shirataki noodles out of the package and drain/rinse well in a colander. (If you aren’t making anything Keto/Low-Carb, skip this step).
  11. Also during this time, you can make your soft boiled eggs (if you haven’t done so already–the fancy Japanese ones are linked to the ingredients above). Simply boil about 2 quarts of quarter and once it’s boiling, drop the eggs gently with a spider strainer and cook with the shell on for 6 1/2 minutes.
  12. While eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath. Get a bowl and fill it with ice and extra cold water. You will put the eggs in the “ice bath” when they’re done cooking to stop them from overcooking!
  13. Once the eggs are cooked, put them immediately in the ice bath. You may peel them in about 5-10 minutes. You will slice them in half vertically for the best presentation.
  14. Pro Tip: Use the same boiling water for the regular Ramen. When you’re about ready to serve the Ramen, use the same water by cooking the Ramen for 3 minutes in the water, stirring occasionally. Drain.
  15. When the Instant Pot beeps, you may either quick release or slow release the pressure. I did a “quick release.”
  16. Once the pressure is released and you can open the lid, remove the pork belly and set aside on a cutting board.
  17. Slice pork belly into 1/2 inch slices.
  18. Add pork belly slices to a frying pan with soy sauce and brown sugar. Stir and make sure all pieces are coated.
  19. Work with a wooden spoon, being careful not to break up the pork belly and not to burn the sugar, slowly turn the pork belly so all pieces become evenly coated in the sugar mixture, this will take 3-4 minutes. It’ll turn like a reddish hue.
  20. Remove glazed pork belly slices, set aside.
  21. Drop Tofu Shirataki noodles into bowls for people who are Keto/Low Carb. Drop regular Ramen noodles for everyone else.
  22. Split broth into 4 large bowls for serving.
  23. Add a quarter of the pork belly slices to each bowl.
  24. Garnish with green onions and a soft-boiled egg sliced in half. (optional)

Italian American Style Meatballs (Keto/Low Carb)

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ketomeatballs

I grew up in an Italian-American neighborhood and every Sunday, we all ate as a family and had meatballs and pasta. It was a given, it was never questioned, and it was delicious. My grandmother made the best meatballs, and although I am sure all of us show favoritism towards our family members when we say “this is the best,” my bias stands–hers were the best and always will be.

My mother, my aunt, and I have tried to keep our memory of her alive through her recipes, and her meatballs are no exception. But as of two weeks ago, I started the diet that is the antithesis of all that is Italian–the Keto diet.

For those of you who are not familiar, the Keto diet is one of the strictest forms of a low-carb diet. For my body type, I am only allowed 18 net carbohydrates. The FDA suggests (assuming a non-specialized diet) a significant amount more: “The FDA recommends that 50 percent to 60 percent of your total food intake comes from carbohydrates. The percent daily value for carbohydrates, as shown on food labels, is calculated for the average adult consuming about 2,000 calories per day. Percentage daily values for carbohydrates assume you consume about 300 grams of carbohydrates per day.”

So you may think, if the FDA is suggesting 300 total carbohydrates, how can you possibly survive on 18? Well, the Ketogenic diet (a.k.a Keto diet) changes your body’s fuel source so that your food intake percentages are largely dependent on fat. In fact, the Ketogenic diet has people eating 70% of their daily calories from it! It’s a totally new way of eating.

The foods on the Keto diet are delicious–steak with butter, eggs and bacon, cheese (need I say more?); however, the limitations are challenging, especially when you are traveling, you’ll have to do some hardcore research beforehand. In fact, I just came back from a trip to Tennesee, and every time we went to a restaurant, I had to make modifications, Google the ingredients and nutritional facts. Sugar and carbohydrates are in so many things we eat that it’s tough to navigate at times. Honestly, if you are on the Keto diet or considering it, make sure you mainly cook at home, meal prep if you have to.

I thought the second I went on a low carb diet (especially the restrictive Keto diet) that Italian food would be out of the question. It took me a bit of time, but I recreated my grandma’s meatballs and used her techniques. All I had to do was substitute the bread crumbs and bread. Every other ingredient is Keto approved–ground meats have no carbs, eggs are welcome, herbs, pecorino romano cheese, etc.

When you go on a diet like Keto, there are recipes you’ll find abound, especially on Pinterest. However, as someone who loves to cook and develop recipes, I made it my mission to combine what my grandmother would do with what I would have to do in order to these meatballs okay for me to consume. I did not want to sacrifice flavor nor texture.

I made my own Italian seasoned “bread crumbs” by freshly grinding pork rinds, Pecorino Romano, and Italian seasonings. I used 647 Italian bread (lowest carb, but most certainly resembles regular bread), soaked it in heavy cream instead of milk (believe it or not, milk has carbohydrates and sugar!). I made my mixture as grandma would, with a soft touch to make the texture airy and light. I also had to make a lower-carb tomato sauce as many tomato sauces are not allowed (jarred already made sauces are the worst–but even crushed tomatoes have natural sugars).

I aimed to be able to replicate, not merely substitute my grandmother’s meatballs, and I believe I was successful. This is evident as even my carb fiend of a husband highly approved. (He had spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce, the lucky devil). It honestly tastes just the same!  After carefully calculating, my math works out that my meatballs are a welcome addition to a low-carb diet. I calculated 2 carbs for three meatballs, 4 for 6 meatballs. Pasta sauce is 5 carbs for 1/2 cup serving, and I only needed a 1/4 cup (maybe even less!)

Note: Before you make your meatballs, you must make your own Italian “bread’ crumb mixture. All your spices you should have already in your pantry, especially if you’re a lover of Italian food. Nothing crazy fancy here. Pork rinds are your friend…tasty and 0 carbs! The “bread” crumb mixture will make a bit more than you need, so feel free to make a lower-carb Chicken or Eggplant Parmigiana with it! 🙂

Enjoy!

Ingredients for Italian Seasoned “Bread” Crumbs

  • 1 cup of Pork Rinds, ground **Please see note!
  • 1 1/4 cup of Pecorino Romano, grated (feel free to substitute grated Parmesan as well, but I like Pecorino Romano the best!)
  • 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoons of Black Pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dried Parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Dried Basil
  • 1/2 Dried Oregano

**Note: I used my dry container on my Vitamix to grind the pork rinds, but any food processor or blender will do. You’ll need about half a bag of Pork Rinds. You can get these at the dollar store. Seriously. The brand I used is Brim’s Snack Foods. The bag is .3 oz (85.g), and I only needed half the bag to get the 1 cup of ground pork rinds).

Directions for Italian Seasoned “Bread” Crumbs

  1. Gather all your spice ingredients, grated cheese, and a bag of pork rinds.
  2. Grind up about half a bag of pork rinds to the texture of traditional bread crumbs. You will need exactly one cup, so measure it out!
  3. In a bowl, combine pork rinds, grated cheese of choice, and spices. Use a form to combine evenly.
  4. You will use 1 1/2 cup of this mixture for the recipe, leaving with a cup for you to spare. Feel free to store in a jar and stick the “bread” crumb mixture in the refrigerator for later use.

Nutritional Information for Italian-American Meatballs (Keto/Low Carb)

Total  Size: 30+ Medium-Sized Meatballs (Serves 4-6)

Nutritional Macros (Three Meatballs): 2 net carbs, 3 total carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 18 grams of fat, 19 grams of protein, 255 net calories

Nutritional Macros (Six Meatballs): 4 net carbs, 7 total carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 36 grams of fat, 37 grams of protein, 509 net calories

Nutritional Macros for Rao’s Sauce with Lei Mangia’s Modifications (1/4 cup): 2 net carbs, 2 total carbs, 0 grams of fiber, 6 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, 67 net calories

Nutritional Macros for Rao’s Sauce with Lei Mangia’s Modifications (1/2 cup): 5 net carbs, 5 total carbs, 0 grams of fiber, 13 grams of fat, 1 gram protein, 134 net calories

Ingredients for Italian-American Meatballs (Keto/Low Carb)

  • 1 1/2 pounds of Ground Beef, Pork, and Veal (it’s usually labeled meatloaf/meatball mixture in a grocery store).
  • 3 Medium Eggs
  • 1 cup of homemade “Italian Seasoned “Bread” Crumbs”** (Recipe above for the breadcrumbs–please don’t actually use bread crumbs and kick yourself out of Ketosis! I am saying you need to use the Pork Rind version, duh.)
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup of Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese (or Parmesan Cheese0
  • 2 slices of 647 Bread, diced (Please, no substitutions. If you do, you are under your own risk. This is the only bread I can find that is low enough in “net” carbohydrates to make this recipe possible!)
  • 1/2 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 3-4 cloves of Garlic, minced fresh
  • 1/2 cup of freshly chopped Parsley
  • 1 28 ounce jar/can of Tomato Sauce of your choice***

***Note about tomato sauce: Be mindful of carbohydrates and sugars in whatever sauce/crushed tomato mixture you use. I use Rao’s as that only has 4 carbs per serving (1/2 cup). I add garlic and olive oil and fresh herbs to the sauce, and believe it or not, the garlic cloves count as carbohydrates. I used to add sugar to my sauce or grate a carrot, but that is off-limits here. If you simmer the sauce a while, it should taste great! Read your nutritional labels, people! Again, you will have 1/2 the carbs if you only use 1/4 cup of sauce.

Directions for Italian-American Meatballs (Keto/Low Carb)

  1. Heat up your choice of tomato sauce (I use Rao’s). I sauteed 6 cloves of minced garlic in two tablespoons of olive oil, and once garlic was fragrant, added the jarred sauce. Before serving, I minced up fresh parsley and basil to taste. Be sure to stir the sauce from time to time.
  2. While your sauce is heating through/cooking, prepare your meatball mixture.
  3. Mince up at least 1/2 cup of parsley. Grab the bunch, cut off the stems (use only the leaves). Roll up the bunch in a tight bundle and chop parsley relatively finely.
  4. Next, peel and press/mince garlic.
  5. After prepping your ingredients, get a liquid measuring cup or bowl and fill with heavy cream.
  6. Next, take out your two slices of 647 bread. Dice into small cubes. Put cubes in cup or bowl with heavy cream to soak for a few minutes.
  7. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, and veal mixture. Crack three eggs. Take your cloves of garlic (or use a garlic press) and put in the same bowl.
  8. Next, add Italian seasoning, grated cheese, fresh parsley, and liquid bread mixture. Yes, include all the cream as well as the soaked bread.
  9. With a light hand, combine ingredients, making sure to evenly distribute all ingredients. Do not overmix!
  10. When everything is evenly mixed, use a medium cookie scoop and press meat mixture into the scoop and squeeze out. Roll the mixture into your hands into a ball. Make sure all meatballs are evenly sized! You should have at least 30 (my recipe made 33).

Methods of Cooking Meatballs

  1. Use a baking sheet with a rack (if you don’t use a rack, you will have a fatty, congealed mess) and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees.
  2. Pan-sear the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil (cast-iron preferred).
  3. Put the meatballs in your sauce to slowly cook.

**I personally baked the meatballs to get them started, and then I seared them after. There’s nothing like the crispy edge of a meatball. I used my Blackstone Grill to sear all the meatballs at once as it is quite messy and time consuming the fry the meatballs. But man–is it a tasty step. You decide! 🙂

To serve meatballs, dollop your tomato sauce on top (but please measure, if you’re counting carbs) with more fresh parsley. Garnish with basil, if desired. If you would like, add a side of fresh ricotta cheese–it’s a fabulous combination! 🙂

Hoisin Sesame Beef Lettuce Wraps with White Rice and Sriracha Cream

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hoisin

Happy Monday!

Often times, people ask me how I manage to cook after teaching all day. Like anything else, it’s all about priorities. How do people make it to the gym in the morning? (I’ll never know.) Cooking and blogging are my hobbies and I am dedicated, but even I get tired and unmotivated…

Today is a good post for three reasons:

1.) It’s low-carb for my dieting audience; it’s practically guilt-free.

2.) Dinner in a flash: it is truly a 15 minute meal.

3.) It’s cheaper and tastier than take-out (so long as you have Asian staples in your pantry!)

For some reason, I have been craving lettuce wraps. I know it sounds ridiculous; it’s not fried or fat-laden. Maybe I am secretly feeling guilty about all my pasta creations. I seriously ate tortellini almost every day last week, and believe it or not, I am actually tired of it. Lettuce wraps are very light without feeling boring or tasteless. Now I hate to be a pain, but you really can’t just use any lettuce you have laying around. You need a sturdy lettuce in the butter lettuce family: Bibb, Butter, or Boston lettuce works just fine. If you use any other lettuce, it may not be able to withhold the filling.

Many different regions of Asia offer a slightly different take of the lettuce wrap. In particular, different proteins are incorporated. I’ve had chicken, duck, shrimp, beef, and pork in my lettuce wraps. In Korea, bulgogi-marinated chicken is trendy, and probably some brine-filled kimchi on top. They’re also not called “lettuce wraps” but rather are called Ssam or Bossam (popular varieties). Ssam looks like a typo to us Anglo-speaking Americans, eh? 🙂 There is usually some sort of combination of textures to compliment the meat, such as a purple shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, nuts, green onions, etc.

Depending which region of Asia I want to channel will determine what I put in my wrap; for example, if I want Thai, I’ll add some sweet chiles, shrimp, and peanut sauce. Today, I was craving Korean and Chinese, and the answer to my craving is this: use Hoisin sauce. Hoisin is technically Chinese, but to me, it’s perfect for a base of a Korean BBQ Style sauce.

If you don’t already have Hoisin sauce, go get it. It is great sweet and sour Asian BBQ. There are so many intense flavors that a very little bit goes a long way. I like to use Hoisin for my favorite Sticky Garlic Chicken…delicious.

The Sriracha Cream sauce is optional, but I think it really compliments the Hoisin sweet and sour profile well. These wraps are addicting as there is a balance of spice from the Sriracha and red pepper flake, sweetness from the honey and Hoisin, and coolness from the lettuce and the sour cream.

Dieters, time-crunchers, and take-out lovers rejoice for this deliciously easy 15 minute dinner. Feel free to make substitutions and additions; make this wrap yours. Enjoy!

Gym Rats

  • 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80:20 or 85:15 fat ratio, otherwise, you’ll need a bit of oil)
  • 2 -inch piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
  • 2 scallions/green onions, chopped** (I ran out today, so this is optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup of sesame seeds (toasted, if available)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 head Boston, Bibb, or Butter lettuce; leaves separated, cleaned and dried
  • 1/4 cup of Sriracha sauce (you could make more or less depending on your needs; make sure it’s equal to the amount of sour cream/mayo for heat)
  • 1/4 cup of Sour Cream (you may use mayonnaise if you want, but I never have it around. I hate it!)
  • 1 cup of white rice

The Circuit 

  1. Start the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté beef until brown.
  2. Prep: While your beef is cooking, prep your ginger, scallions, and garlic. Also, make your sauce (if desired). Mix equal parts of Sriracha and sour cream (or mayo–you need a creamy consistency.) If you rather there be less heat, add more cream and less Sriracha. If you rather there be more spice, add more Sriracha and less sour cream.
  3. Make the rice: In a separate pot, portion out one cup of rice to two cups of water on high heat. Once the water is boiling, cover the pot and do not open for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to drop the heat to low once you put the lid on (that makes my rice perfect every time.)
  4. Back to the beef: Stir in ginger, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and hoisin and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper (taste first: Hoisin and soy sauce are salty!).
  5. All together: Once meat and rice are cooked, pull a lettuce leaf for each serving. Put rice on the leaf first, then top it with the beef. Feel free to add the green onions/scallions and other toppings of your choice (shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, peanuts, etc.) Wrap it tightly like a mini-burrito and enjoy! 🙂