Thai Chicken-Pumpkin Soup

When there’s a chill in the air I find myself wanting things made with pumpkin.  It’s also a time of year I love making new soup recipes.  For this delicious soup, I just need a couple things in my pantry.  I use Sam’s “Daily Chef” canned chicken meat as it only has chicken, salt and water in it.  No modified food starch or other junk ingredients.  I always have some homemade chicken stock in my freezer, so this is an easy lunch for me.  This soup came out quite tasty and it turns out it’s very nutritious, too.  I went for a Thai flavor today.  GOOD choice for my key ingredients!  This recipe isn’t suitable until you reach the nuts and seeds rung of Atkins Phase 2 OWL carb ladder.  It is perfectly suited to other Keto diets and Primal-Paleo as well.

Our latest three volumes of LOW CARBING AMONG FRIENDS cookbooks are calling you.  Volume 8 and Volume 9 are almost exclusively comprised of my recipes!  Included in both editions are a few tasty new creations of my dear friends George Stella and Jennifer Eloff.   Volume 10 is hot off the press with more delectable goodies.  Early orders can be delivered by Thanksgiving.  EARLY BIRD SECRET SALE!!  Special pricing and limited-time free shipping so hurry and place your order today.  You can order these or any of our cookbooks at https://amongfriends.us/Secret-SALE.php.  When you purchase our books, we would sure appreciate you stopping by Amazon to leave a review at this site

INGREDIENTS:

1  15-oz. can pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling!)

1  13.5-oz. can coconut milk

3 c. homemade chicken broth

¼ c. packed, chopped fresh cilantro

¼ tsp. salt

Dash black pepper

¼ c. green onion, finely chopped

1 tsp. Thai Red Curry Paste (or to taste)

1 tsp. coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce

½ tsp. Thai fish sauce (I use Thai Kitchen found at Walmart)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1  13 oz. can chicken breast meat (with broth)

Sprig of fresh cilantro or my 8-seed Spice Blend

DIRECTIONS:   Basically, place all ingredients into a large soup pot, stir well and bring to a boil and then lower heat.  Simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Although not absolutely necessary, use a stick blender to puree the soup if desired.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:  Makes five 1½ c. servings, each contains:

273 calories, 19.2 g  fat, 10.2 g  carbs, 2.6 g  fiber, 7.6 g  NET CARBS, 13.66 g  protein, 432 mg sodium

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Hoisin Sauce (low-carb)

I made some Moo Shu Pork for dinner tonight.  We love the stuff!  But I needed some Hoisin Sauce to go with it and had none in the pantry.  All the commercial stuff either has sugar, high fructose corn syrup or molasses in the ingredient listing.  I checked my several recipes for this sauce (gathered around the net over the past 9 years) and the only two I had actually tried before were annotated “not so good” and “nothing special”.  :{

So I set about creating my own instead.  Since Hoisin is basically a seasoned plum jam/sauce, and I had an open bag of no-sugar-added prunes (which is just dried plums) in my pantry, I started with 10 of those.  Then I added a few ingredients that store-bought brands mention on their labels, guessing the amounts for those items, tasting as I went along.

Well, I’m here to tell you the final sauce came out pretty darn good!  Not exactly like the high-sugar stuff right out of the jar at the store, but I suspect it will taste much better and closer to that flavor when it has “aged” a bit.  We ate it while it was still warm tonight, so the cloves flavor in the Chinese 5-Spice Powder was pretty pronounced. The aroma and taste of the cloves is already mellowing, after just a few hours, actually.   All in all, not bad for my first shot at a low-carb version of this essential Chinese condiment. Most commercial hoisin sauce has around 8 carbs per tablespoon, so this number is trimmed down in mine.  Using liquid Splenda lowers carbs a tad, but not that much.

I’ll post the Moo Shu Pork recipe as soon as I can calculate nutritionals and get it typed up.  That dish I have been cooking for years, using Gloria Bley-Miller’s marvelous cookbook The Thousand Recipe Chinese Cookbook  as my “Bible” for Chinese cooking.  I can cook Moo Shu pork blindfolded but have been holing off to obtain a couple ingredients I can’t get locally.  This sauce is suitable once you get to Phase 2 of Atkins, since it is used in such small amounts on the “pancake” that you will use to roll up the Moo Shu Pork.  This sauce is totally unsuitable for Primal or Paleo due to the soy beans, as all legumes are eschewed in those food plans.

INGREDIENTS:

10 large dried prunes, Delmonte brand has no sugar added (around 4 oz.)

½ c. water

1 T. rice wine vinegar

3 T. low-sodium soy sauce (use regular if you prefer)

¼ tsp. Chinese 5-Spice powder

3 T. granular Splenda (liquid Splenda will lower carbs a smidge)

2 T. Eden soy black beans, well-mashed to a paste (or fermented black bean paste)

DIRECTIONS:  Place prunes in small saucepan with about ½ c. tap water.  Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer until they are soft, or about 5 minutes.  Mash well into the water with a fork until pretty smooth.  You can puree in a blender or food processor if you like, but I did not think this necessary.  Remove from heat.

Mash the beans on a paper plate to as smooth a paste as possible and stir into the prune mixture.  Add vinegar, soy sauce and 5-Spice powder to the pot and stir well.  Spoon into a serving dish or lidded jar and store any not used immediately in your refrigerator.  I do not know how long this keeps yet, and it sure has no preservatives in it.  But since it’s just made from dried fruit+vinegar (a preservative by nature)+soy sauce (fermented), I suspect a pretty long time.  Perhaps 2 weeks?  Maybe longer?  Just don’t know.  The soy beans will be what spoils first in this combo.  I’ll try to remember to post back my findings on that when mine no longer seems to smell/look right to me and I toss it out.  🙂

NUTRITIONAL INFO:   Makes about 1 cup (16 Tbsp.).  Each tablespoon using granular Splenda contains:

17.2 cals, 0.1g fat, 3.65g carbs, 0.51g fiber, 3.14g Net CARBS (2.89 NC with liquid Splenda), 0.45g protein, 101 mg sodium

 

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Kale Cabbage Medley

I love braised kale and braised cabbage, but tonight’s creation with the two together was just amazing!  Combining with my ingredient lineup totally changed the flavor profile of BOTH vegetables.  This just might be a good dish to try on those kale and cabbage haters among you, as neither tasted like themselves.  I can’t say enough about how good this colorful, tasty combo is!  This vegetable side is a little carb-y, but all those carbs are in the incredibly nutritious kale and cabbage, so they’re all GOOD carbs!    This dish is suitable for all phases of Atkins and Keto diets if you can fit the carbs into your daily allowance.  This recipe is also OK for Primal-Paleo diners.

More delicious low-carb recipes can be at your fingertips with your very own set of Jennifer Eloff and friends’ best-selling cookbooks LOW CARBING AMONG FRIENDS.  She has collaborated with famous low-carb Chef George Stella and several other talented cooks to bring you a wealth of delicious recipes you are going to want to try.  Even a few of my recipes are in each of the 5 volumes! Order your set TODAY! (also available individually) from Amazon or: http://amongfriends.us/order.php

DISCLAIMER: I am not paid for this book promotion nor for the inclusion of my recipes therein.  I do so merely because they are GREAT cookbooks any low-carb cook would be proud to add to their cookbook collection.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bunch of kale (about 4 cups stemmed and coarsely cut up)

2 c. cabbage, coarsely cut up

2 oz. yellow onion, sliced

3 oz. bell pepper, cut into medium-sized pieces (your color choice)

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Dash black pepper

1 T. Sriracha chili sauce

Water to cover all (I also added 3/4 c. baked ham broth/drippings)

1 T. bacon grease

DIRECTIONS:  Melt the bacon grease over high heat in a large stew pot and saute the onion until caramelized.  Add the stemmed, cut up kale, cabbage and water to cover.  Add bell pepper, salt, pepper and Sriracha sauce.  Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes.  Serve at once.  This broth makes a tasty and nutritious base for soups, so I store mine in containers in my freezer.  🙂

NUTRITIONAL INFO:   Makes 5 servings, each contains:

70 cals, 3.04g  fat, 9.92g carbs, 2.42g fiber, 7.5g NET CARBS, 2.48g protein, 60 mg sodium

 

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Iranian Stuffed Peppers

I haven’t had these since I was very young living in Iran.  Our maid used to make them for us.  She put raisins in the meat filling, but that jacks up the carbs too much for me on my low-carb regimen, so I left them out.  She also used bulgur wheat, whereas I used lower-carb hemp seeds.  Even with my changes, the peppers themselves have quite a bit of carbs.  But they are so good for you, I don’t care.  I’m going to fix stuffed peppers once in awhile. One of these was filling enough to satisfy me as a meal.  🙂  These are suitable once you get to Phase 2 Atkins.  Keto folks can probably fit these macros into their day with menu planning.  These are also suitable for those following Primal or Paleo programs.

Our latest two LOW CARBING AMONG FRIENDS cookbooks, Volume 8 and Volume 9 are almost exclusively comprised of my recipes!  Included in both editions are a few tasty new creations of my dear friends George Stella and Jennifer Eloff.   EARLY BIRD SECRET SALE!!  Special pricing and limited-time free shipping so hurry and place your order.  Or you can order these or any of our cookbooks at https://amongfriends.us/Secret-SALE.php.

INGREDIENTS: 

4 medium-large green peppers (or any other color you like)

20 oz. 90% ground beef

2½ oz. onion, chopped

3/4 c. chopped parsley

1   14.5-oz (total) can diced low-sodium tomatoes

3 T. hemp seeds/hearts

1 tsp. each turmeric, dried mint and dried dill

1½ tsp. ground cinnamon

Dash each salt and pepper

VARIATIONS:  Use ground lamb instead of beef.  Use cooked lentils instead of hemp seeds (carbs will go up with lentils).  If you can are in maintenance and can afford the extra carbs, add 2 T. snipped raisins to the meat mixture before filling the peppers. 

DIRECTIONS:   Cut the tops off the peppers.  Pull out the seed cluster and discard.  Save the “lids” if you want to use them for plate presentation, otherwise, chop the flesh and save all but the stem in a baggie in the refrigerator for future pepper needs.  Parboil the peppers in a braising/soup pot of water 1″ deep for just 2-3 minutes to slightly cook them.  Carefully drain off water and stand the peppers cut-side up in the pot.  Set aside for now.

For the filling, in a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meat and onion together.  Add half of the can of tomatoes (just solids) to the meat and stir.  Add all remaining ingredients and simmer 5 minutes to cook off any water in the tomatoes.  Preheat oven to 350º while you are simmering the meat.  After 5 minutes of cooking, spoon the filling equally into the peppers.  Place pepper “lids” on top if using. Pour the remaining diced tomatoes and their liquid down into the bottom of the pan around the peppers as shown below to help the peppers remain moist during cooking.  Pop your cook pot into a 350º oven for about 40-50 minutes.  The amount of time will depend upon the size of your peppers and the thickness of the pepper “walls”.  Bigger/thicker peppers will take more time.  If they look like they are about ready to  collapse, they’re definitely done!  As the filling is totally cooked, you just want to cook the peppers until they are tender and not fall-apart stage, so keep an eye on them (ovens vary).

NUTRITIONAL INFO:   Makes 4 stuffed peppers, each contains approximately:

391 cals, 22g fat, 17.07g carbs (in the tomatoes and peppers), 5.9g fiber, 12.17g NET CARBS, 32.7g protein, 443 mg sodium

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Upside-Down Bacon-Onion Omelet

This is a scrumptious, quick and easy omelet that is made flat in a pan and baked in the oven.  I love to make omelets this way as I think they cook so evenly.  I’ve messed up more than one folded omelet cooked stovetop.  I find the eggs don’t get quite done enough in the center for my liking.   Besides, I think eggs are pretty served up this way, too!  This delicious recipe is suitable for all phases of Atkins, Keto diets, Primal and Paleo. 🙂

Our last two LOW CARBING AMONG FRIENDS cookbooks, Volume 8 and Volume 9 are almost exclusively comprised of my recipes!  Included in both editions are a few tasty new creations of my dear friends George Stella and Jennifer Eloff.   EARLY BIRD SECRET SALE!!  Special pricing and limited time free shipping so hurry and place your order.  Or you can order these or any of our cookbooks at https://amongfriends.us/Secret-SALE.php.

When you purchase our books, we would sure appreciate you stopping by Amazon to leaving a review at this site:

INGREDIENTS:

6 thin (or 3 thick) slices bacon, diced large

2 oz. onion, diced (I used red onion)

4 large eggs

DIRECTIONS:    Preheat oven to 350º.  In a good non-stick skillet or wok, cook the bacon until nearly brown.  Add the onion and saute until the bacon is fully browned and the onion is getting soft and also beginning to caramelize/brown.   In a bowl, using a fork, beat the eggs well.  Slowly pour the eggs over the bacon-onion mixture so as not to disturb the mixture much.  Pop the pan into a 350> oven for 10-12 minutes or until eggs are just dry to the touch in the center.  Try not to brown the top of the flat omelet, as that just overcooks the eggs making them dry and rubbery.  Remove from oven.  Place a large plate (larger than your pan in diameter) over the plate and lifting skillet with one hand and holding the plate over it with your other hand, flip is quickly.  The grease from the bacon should allow it to drop right out of the pan.  Cut into 3 wedges and serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:    Makes 3 adult servings

231 cals, 19g fat, 2.13g carbs, 0.16g fiber, 1.97g NET CARBS, 11.8g protein, 331 mg sodium

 

 

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Mushroom-Quinoa Soup

This was a quick and delicious lunch today.  My husband wasn’t home, so there is lots leftover, even after my eating 2 servings!  What can I say?  It was so good!  Whipped up a quick batch of Jennifer Eloff’s low-carb Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup in my blender.  Used half for this recipe and saved half for perhaps a casserole binder this week.  Dumped the rest of the ingredients in the pot and VOILA!  Tasty lunch in just 30 minutes!  This recipe is not suitable until Phase 2 of Atkins.  Keto and Paleo followers can enjoy as well.  Paleo people will need to omit the cream and up the broth or sub in coconut milk for the cream.

Our latest LOW CARBING AMONG FRIENDS, Volume 8 and soon-to-be-released Volume 9 are almost exclusively comprised of my recipes!  Included are a few tasty new creations of my friends George Stella and Jennifer Eloff.   EARLY BIRD SECRET SALE!!  For estimated October delivery on Vol. 9, order it or any of our cookbooks at https://amongfriends.us/Secret-SALE.php or at Amazon.

INGREDIENTS:

½ recipe Jen Eloff’s low-carb condensed mushroom soup

1  4-oz. can mushroom stems and pieces

4 large fresh mushrooms, chopped

¼ tsp. onion powder

Dash each salt and black pepper

2 Tbsp. quinoa seed

½ c. heavy cream

1½ c. chicken broth bone broth (chicken broth will do)

DIRECTIONS:  Using your blender or food processor, make Jennifer’s condensed soup per that recipe’s instructions (it’s buried in her casserole recipe).  Spoon up half of it into a medium soup pot for my recipe here.  Store the rest in your refrigerator for another use.  If your family is large, you could double all other ingredients listed above and use the entire batch of her soup for a huge pot of this soup.  That will make 10 servings total!

After placing half the condensed soup mixture into a 4-qt. saucepan, add the can of mushroom pieces and chopped fresh mushrooms and stir to mix it well.  Add in the salt, pepper and onion powder and stir.  Next add the heavy cream and blend until it appears smooth.  Add in the bone broth (or stock) next and stir again.  Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.  Add in the quinoa seed and reduce heat to medium/med-low until you achieve a gentle simmer.  Cook for about 20 minutes stirring occasionally to avoid scorching on the bottom of the pan.  When quinoa is softened and beginning to burst open it is ready.  Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley  if desired.

VARIATION:   I had 1 slice of leftover cooked bacon I crumbled into mine and it was a nice flavor layer for this soup.  So you might want to add 4 slices bacon, chopped and pre-browned to the ingredient list.  🙂

NUTRITIONAL INFO:  Makes 5 large bowls, each contains:

203 cals, 16.8g fat, 6.74g carb, 1.2g fiber, 5.54g NET CARBS, 4.88g protein, 249 mg sodium

 

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Cucumber Salad with Hemp Seed Oil-Ranch® Dressing

I have recently found cold-pressed organic hemp seed oil in my local Walmart (Carrington Frams brand).  I have read that it (along with flax seed oil) is one of nature’s perfect healthy oils, with a near perfect balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oil and other needed amino acids.  To get the daily needed balance, you would only have to consume 2-4 tsp. a day.  A serving of my Ranch®-like dressing here has 3 tsp. (1 T.) per serving, so job done!  I didn’t find the oil to have much flavor, slightly nutty, which reminded me of the taste of flax oil.  I plan to keep it in the refrigerator to prevent its going rancid so fast ( as flax seed oil does).   This will add yet another delicious, healthy oil to my arsenal of oils for salads.  DO NOT HEAT/COOK with this oil as it loses a lot of nutrients if heated.  This recipe is suitable for all Atkins phases, Keto diets, Primal and Paleo.

Our latest LOW CARBING AMONG FRIENDS, Volume 8 and soon-to-be-released Volume 9 are almost exclusively comprised of my recipes!  Included are a few tasty new creations of my friends George Stella and Jennifer Eloff.   EARLY BIRD SECRET SALE!!  For estimated October delivery on Vol. 9, order it or any of our cookbooks at https://amongfriends.us/Secret-SALE.php or at Amazon.  LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER:  Currently we have a special offer on a bundle of all 8 previous volumes that reduces their individual price to only $13.22!  Don’t miss out on this incredible bargain!

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. cut up cucumber

6 tiny San Marzano tomatoes, cut into pieces (or cherry tomatoes)

2 T. hemp seed oil

2 T. red wine vinegar

2 tsp. my Ranch® Powder blend

Dash salt

DIRECTIONS:  Mix last 4 ingredients in a small ramekin and stir well.  Cut cucumber and tomato up and place in small serving bowl.  Drizzle dressing over all and stir well.  Chill 30 minutes and serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:    Makes 2 servings, each contains:

21 cals, 0.15g fat, 3.95g carbs, 1.2g fiber, 2.75g NET CARBS (dressing is about 1g of the 2.75g), 0g protein, trace sodium

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