I sometimes crave some light, healthy food. I know, I know, the Horror... THE HORROR.
But I do, I really do. I like having a light dish every now and then. It doesn't always gotta be starch, carbs and dairy.
Particularly as the seasons shift to warmer days, I tend to go towards lighter foods. Just because they're healthy doesn't mean they don't have to be good! It's ok, not all healthy food is cardboard in look and flavor. I got you. I've got some diehard, fool proof QUICK, simple dishes perfect for some light lunches. Or dinners if thats what you're into as well. I promise, you're going to LOVE them, almost as much as you love me. Ready? Come I'll hold your hand.
This first one brings me back to my Uni days, sitting by the lake with my bestie Ashley munching down on a delicious Hummus bowl from our local favorite Hummus spot. Sigh, those days were nice. We'd order our bowls, take our laptops and papers out to the picnic tables set out by the campus lake. We'd munch, chat, bitch and work on our dissertations. I miss those day. This bowl is a sweet, scrumptious reminder of those days. Also reminds me of that day we saw a flock of geese absolutely hood jump another group of birds. We didn't know what to do with ourselves that day. Ahhh... the beautiful memories. The Second dish is a delicious take on a hearty salad. For those days you just crave a salad. No? Just me? ok then. I added steak... does that help?
Hummus Bowl
Prep & Cooktime: 30 Minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas)
1/4 cup diced/ halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup diced Cucumber
1tsp Minced Garlic
1 tsp Minced Yellow or Red Onion
1 tbls Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Kosher Salt (to taste)
Fresh cracked Black pepper (to taste)
1 cup Hummus
1/4 cup Red Quinoa
Directions
Cook your quinoa according to package directions. Usually for every 1/2 cup of Quinoa, 1 cup of Water. I like to use broth in place of water as i find it gives my quinoa more depth & flavor but entirely your choice. While Quinoa is coking get started on the rest.
Dice your tomatoes, cucumber and Mince your onion and garlic. Combine all into a bowl. Add EVOO, Lemon Juice & salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix to combine.
Grab a nice deep bowl, place hummus at the center of your bowl. Gently plate up your Cucumber & tomato mix in 1/3 of the bowl. Do the same with your Garbanzos. Last third bowl spot is for your Quinoa. Garnish with paprika and a swirl of Olive oil. That's it. Enjoy!
Medley Quinoa Salad
Prep & Cooktime: 30 mins
Ingredients
1/2 cup of Cherry Tomatoes (diced)
1/2 cup Cucumbers (diced)
1/3 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
1/2 cup Garbanzos (Chickpeas)
1/2 cup of Red Quinoa
1/3 cup cranberries
1 tbls EVOO
1 tbls Balsamic Vinegar
2 cups Romaine Lettuce (or any of your choice)
1/2 cup sliced Steak (or protein of choice)
Crumbled Feta
Croutons
Directions
1. Dice up your veggies (cucumber, tomatoes & onions)
2. Combine diced veggies, garbanzo, quinoa, cranberries and lettuce in a bowl.
3. Add EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar. toss to combine with Salt and pepper to taste.
Top with your steak slices, croutons and crumbled feta. Enjoy!
I love... I mean LOVE Iced Tea. But like the powdered Lipton one. It's my personal crack. Sometimes, it's necessary to change it up. Do you have any idea how much sugar is in that iced tea? A LOT. So, I found a simple, equally tasty, alternative to it. And it's super easy to make!
Duchess Iced Tea
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients
2 Yorkshire Tea Bags (Black Tea)
1 Lemon, sliced
3 tbls Honey
2 L HOT Water
Directions
Steep all ingredients in a 2 L jug for 20 minutes. If you want a stronger tea flavor, leave for longer. Remove tea bags and lemon slices. Refrigerate & enjoy over ice.
Ok My loves, these are some of my favorite, simple light lunches (and a refreshment). See? Duchess promised it wouldn't hurt!
With Some Type of Love,
The Duchess
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