Pico de Gallo (Food Hero)

Pico de Gallo (Food Hero)

A zesty, refreshing essential that brings authentic Mexican taste to your table.

Ingredients

2 large tomatoes, diced
¼ onion, minced
1 serrano pepper, seeds removed and minced (use ¼ cup minced bell pepper for mild salsa)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 Tablespoons lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh produce under running water before preparing.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve right away.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No serrano pepper? Use a jalapeño pepper or other hot pepper.
  • Chop the leaves and stems of cilantro; all parts are flavorful.
  • The spiciness of peppers can vary based on the growing conditions. Peppers usually have a higher level of heat during hot summer months.

Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage Workgroup for this recipe.

Baked Tofu

Baked Tofu

Flexible Vegetarian Protein That’s Quick & Easy!

Ingredients

16 ounces firm or extra-firm tofu (fresh or frozen and thawed)
Soy-honey marinade
2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar (cider, rice or balsamic)
1 Tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (try sesame oil)
Soy-lime marinade
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup lime juice
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil (try sesame oil)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Using a clean towel, press water out of the tofu and cut how you choose: triangles, cubes, slices or sticks.
  3. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add tofu and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  5. Drain tofu and place pieces on a baking sheet. Foil on the baking sheet makes clean-up easy.
  6. Bake until the tofu is firm and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Turn pieces once during baking.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try Baked Tofu instead of meat in tacos, stir-fries or skillet meals.
  • Serve with vegetables and rice for a filling meal.
Salmon-Stuffed Avocados

Salmon-Stuffed Avocados

 Level up your lunch with these Salmon-Stuffed Avocados—creamy, delicious, and packed with gut-friendly goodness! The Greek yogurt provides beneficial probiotics, while avocado and celery deliver fiber to support digestive wellness. It’s a tasty, feel-good meal that’s as kind to your gut as it is flavorful.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans salmon, drained, flaked, skin and bones removed
  • 2 avocados
  • Chopped chives for garnish

Directions

  1. Combine 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup celery, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 teaspoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl; mix well. Add 5 ounces salmon and mix well.
  1. Halve 2 avocados lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of flesh from each avocado half into a small bowl. Mash the scooped-out avocado flesh with a fork and stir into the salmon mixture.
  1. Fill each avocado half with about 1/4 cup of the salmon mixture, mounding it on top of the avocado halves. Garnish with chives, if desired

Resource: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/270549/salmon-stuffed-avocados/

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This twist on a classic favorite is versatile and can be adapted based on the ingredients you have available.

Ingredients:

1 large head of cabbage
1 pound lean ground beef, pork, poultry (uncooked)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided (see Notes)
1 cup cooked brown rice (see Notes)
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped bell pepper
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ to ½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped parsley, dill or cilantro (optional)

Directions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  4. Use these steps to remove 12 cabbage leaves from the head:
    • Trim off the bottom of the cabbage and carefully remove the core with a sharp knife.
    • Place cabbage, core-side down, in a deep microwave-safe dish along with one inch of water.
    • Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.
    • Carefully remove cabbage from the microwave.
    • Let cool until safe to handle.
    • Pull leaves from the outside of the cabbage and set aside. Return to the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, if needed, to remove enough leaves.
  5. Spread ½ cup tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×12-inch baking dish.
  6. In a large bowl, mix together the beef, rice, ½ cup tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, basil, oregano, paprika, salt and black pepper.
  7. Put about ¼ cup meat mixture in the middle of a cabbage leaf near the core end. Roll the bottom edge of the cabbage over the meat, then fold each side into the middle and continue rolling tightly. Place the roll seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  8. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. The cabbage leaves should be tender and the inside temperature at least 160 degrees F on a food thermometer.
  10. Spoon a little sauce from the bottom of the dish over a serving cabbage rolls and top with chopped parsley, if desired.
  11. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes:

  • Use any cooked beans or grains in the filling, such as white beans and barley.
  • For a flavorful tomato sauce, add 1 teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon each cumin and coriander before dividing. You can also make a sauce with chopped vegetables such as carrots and zucchini.
  • Use the remaining cabbage for a salad, soup or stir-fry.
  • No microwave? You can soften the cabbage leaves other ways:
    • Place the trimmed and cored cabbage in a deep pot. Cover with boiling water and simmer for about 4 minutes. Remove leaves with tongs as they soften.
    • Place the trimmed and cored cabbage in the freezer. Defrost cabbage in the refrigerator. The leaves will peel off easily.

From FoodHero.org

Heart Smart Eating

Heart Smart Eating

Written by Eva Foley, Oregon Dairy Council Intern

Did you know that your heart is the most important muscle for your overall health and well-being? This special organ delivers oxygen to your entire body and deserves the best treatment from you, its owner, to keep it working for a long, healthy life. Giving your heart some tender loving care starts with something you do every day: eat! This means that with each meal and snack, you can strengthen your health by making heart-smart decisions about the foods you eat. February is National Heart Health Month, so let’s dive into some savvy food choices that will make your heart happy! 

  • Fruits and vegetables: Plan to eat 2-3 servings of each fruit and vegetables per day. A good way to think about it is adding one fruit and one vegetable to each meal or snack. Picking fruits and vegetables that are in season usually means better flavor and texture and paying less at the store. Frozen or canned fruits (without added sugar or heavy syrup) and vegetables (without added salt or sauces) are just as nutritious as the fresh kind and will last longer. 
  • Dairy: Studies have shown that 2 servings per day of fat-free or low-fat dairy have a protective effect on the heart. Dairy is also an affordable addition to most diets and can be included in many recipes, both sweet and savory. 

Lactose intolerant? Check this out: https:/www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/eating-diet-nutrition

  • Fiber: The goal for fiber in a heart-healthy diet is 25-30 grams per day from foods. Both soluble (think oats and beans) and insoluble (think whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) are important to include. Increase fiber intake slowly over time to allow your body to adjust to the right amounts. 
  • Healthy fats: Including the right kinds of fats in your diet helps you feel satisfied after a meal and nourishes a healthy heart. Foods like avocados, nuts, and seeds supply healthy unsaturated fats, while limiting saturated fats (such as butter, coconut, and palm oils) is just as important. 
  • Lean proteins: The right kind of protein supports heart health by building stronger muscles and helping to control hunger between meals. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fish and seafood, and tofu are all great options. Remember, many dairy foods, vegetables, legumes, and nuts contain protein, too! 
  • Limit salt and added sugar: Limit sodium intake to 2300 milligrams or less per day and aim for no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for women (36 grams per day for men). You can find how much sodium and added sugar a packaged food has per serving on the nutrition label. It’s important to remember that the sugars to limit are those that are added to a food (such as table sugar or high fructose corn syrup); sugars that are naturally part of fruits and dairy products should not be counted towards daily added sugar intake. 

Helpful links:

Serving sizes/portions: https://www.myplate.gov/

Are you ready to get started with a heart healthy recipe? This comforting breakfast for all ages supplies fruit, dairy, and both soluble and insoluble fiber for a healthy start to your day. It’s easy to make ahead of time and portion out for a quick, on-the-go breakfast treat. Top with a serving of plain Greek-style yogurt to boost your dairy and protein intake.  

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Prep time: 10 minutes; makes 9 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 ½ cups nonfat or 1% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 apple, cored and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Topping:
  • 2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh fruits under running water before preparing.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  4. Combine the egg, applesauce, milk, vanilla and oil in a bowl. Mix in the apple.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add to the liquid ingredients and mix well.
  6. Pour mixture into baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with brown sugar and (optional) nuts.
  8. Return to oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until top is browned and the sugar bubbles.
  9. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes:

  • Substitute other fruit for the apple. Try bananas, pears, blueberries or a mixture.
  • Serve warm topped with vanilla yogurt.

Photo & Recipe Source: https://foodhero.org/recipes/apple-spice-baked-oatmeal

Black-Eyed Peas and Quinoa Salad

Black-Eyed Peas and Quinoa Salad

Savor this vibrant and nutritious dish, packed with flavor, texture, and essential nutrients, whether as a main course or a side salad.

Ingredients

3 cups chopped kale (1 small bunch)
1 can (15 ounce) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 small red onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
3 Tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (try olive oil)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the kale, black-eyed peas, quinoa, onion and bell pepper.
  4. In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the vinegar, oil, paprika, black pepper and salt. Stir or shake until combined.
  5. Pour mixture over vegetables and quinoa. Stir to combine and chill before serving.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try other vegetables for the bell pepper such as chopped zucchini, hot pepper or tomato.
  • For kale that’s easier to chew, chop pieces small then place in the bowl with a teaspoon each of oil and vinegar and a pinch of salt. Massage until soft with your hands, then continue with step 3.
  • Try other cooked grains such as bulgur or wheat berries.
  • For perfectly cooked quinoa, try the Food Hero Stovetop Quinoa recipe.
  • Cook your own black-eyed peas from dry. 1 cup dry makes about 3 cups cooked. 1 can of black-eyed peas contains 1 ½ to 2 cups drained and rinsed black-eyed peas.

Resource: Recipe from Foodhero.org