Curry in a Hurry

I absolutely love curry.  This chicken salad is super fast and easy to throw together in the evening and then perfect in a pita for lunch the next day.  You can make all sorts of alterations by swapping out the flavors of jam; I’ve used guava, mango and apricot.  I’ve also subbed chunks of pineapple for the golden raisins and toasted almonds for the cashews.  I chose to make a twist on Ina Garten‘s recipe by boiling and shredding my chicken, instead of baking it.  Either way, it will turn out great. This is the first chicken salad I’ve made with white wine and it really adds a nice zing, you should give it a try!

A delicious lunch in the office

Curry Chicken Salad

printable recipe

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups light mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup jam or chutney
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup whole roasted, salted cashews
• Whole wheat pitas

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.  Boil for 15 minutes, then remove from water and shred with two forks. For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, wine, chutney, curry powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until smooth. Combine the chicken with enough dressing to moisten well. Add the celery, scallions, and raisins, and mix well. Refrigerate ovenight to allow the flavors to blend. Add the cashews right before serving,stuffed in half a wheat pita with lettuce.  Enjoy!

 

#MeatlessMonday: Vegetable Quiche

I’ve started preparing lunch for the ladies in the office, for a nominal fee, and this  was a hit last Monday.  The egg whites and cottage cheese make it so light and fluffy, but all the protein keeps you satisfied until lunch times  A vegetable soup (I made Cream of Tomato) or side salad rounds it out to a light and yummy #MeatlessMonday lunch.

For you Weightwatchers members out there, this recipe slices into 10 servings and at just 3 points a serving, you don’t feel guilty about diving into this healthy twist on a breakfast casserole!

A healthy choice for breakfast or lunch!

Vegetable Quiche

printable recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup egg whites (I used egg white substitute)
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups shredded, reduced-fat cheddar
• 1.5 cups shredded, Mexican-blend cheese
• .5 cup 1% milk
• .5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• .5 tsp salt
• 1 (16 oz) carton low-fat cottage cheese
• cooking spray (I use my Misto)
• 4 cups sliced zucchini
• 1 medium baking potato, diced
• 1 small Vidalia onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 handful button mushroom, sliced
• .5 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat eggs and egg whites until fluffy.  Add ¾ cup cheddar and ¾ cup Mexican cheese, milk, flour, baking powder, salt and cottage cheese.  Heat a large pan over med-high heat and coat with cooking spray.  Add zucchini through mushrooms and saute 5 minutes.  Add vegetable mixture and parsley to egg mixture.  Pour mixture into 3qt. casserole dish coated with cooking spray.  Top with remaining cheeses.  Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, the drop the temperature to 350 and continue to bake another 35 minutes.  The casserole will be browned on top when ready.  Let sit and cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. The leftovers are great re-heated, so this recipe makes for a filling breakfast, or lunch, throughout the week!

Related articles

• Meatless Mondays: Baked Vegetable Lasagna (centerforlivingpeace.wordpress.com)