Low Carb Recipes

Low carb recipes are based on the principle that a diet low in carbohydrates leads to decreased production of body’s insulin, resulting in consumption of fat stores as energy source. Low carb recipes are based on reducing the carbohydrates and increasing the amount of protein and fat. Reducing the intake of high carbohydrate foods, such as pasta, bread, rice and alcohol is strongly suggested as a critical step in weight loss and weight management.

5 Low Carb Recipes

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

1/2 medium cauliflower (about 1/2 pound), leaves removed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the cauliflower through the core into 6 wedges. Lay cauliflower wedges on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of the wedges with oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast until the sides that touch the pan and the edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve 3 wedges per person.

SESAME SNOW PEAS

1 1/2 cups snow peas, about 6 ounces, strings removed
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Toss the snow peas with soy sauce and sesame oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly. Microwave at full power until crisp-tender, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

MISO GLAZED EGGPLANT

1 tablespoon white or yellow miso
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 medium Asian eggplants (long, thin eggplants), about 4 ounces
Vegetable oil

Position an oven rack in the upper part of the oven and preheat the broiler. Line a pan with foil. Whisk the miso and soy sauce together in a small bowl. Trim the eggplant stems and halve lengthwise. Lightly score a diamond-like pattern into the flesh of the eggplant. Put the eggplants, skin-side up on the prepared pan. Broil the eggplants until the skin discolors, about 1 minute. Turn the eggplants over, lightly brush the top with oil, and broil until softened, about 4 minutes. Brush each eggplant half with the miso mixture and broil until the top is bubbling, about 1 minute. Serve.

MIXED BERRY SALAD

This salad combines high fiber fruits with a little yogurt. Other high fiber fruits that could be used are apples, pears, blackberries, cherries, peaches, plums, and grapes.

2 tablespoons low-fat artificially sweetened fruit yogurt (try key-lime or lemon)
Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, torn
1 cup cubed cantaloupe
4 medium strawberries, stemmed and quartered
1/4 cup raspberries
1/4 cup blueberries

Whisk the yogurt, lime juice, and mint together in a medium bowl. Add the fruit and toss to combine. Serve.

BROILED TOMATOES

3 large plum tomatoes (about 12 ounces), halved lengthwise
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, or marjoram
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan

Season tomatoes with the salt and place seed-side down on a rack or paper towel to drain for about 30 minutes. Blot dry with a paper towel. Position an oven rack in the upper part of the oven and preheat the broiler. Line a broiler pan with foil. Place the tomato halves on the prepared pan, seed-side up, season with pepper to taste, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle herbs over the top. Broil until hot and the tops begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Top with cheese and broil until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Serve 3 halves per person.