Fun Falafel Night!

Last night I was in the mood for a little middle eastern food so I automatically thought FALAFEL! I was very pleased to find out that these falafel's are amazing and really low-cal. There is nothing better than a homemade falafel and this truly hit the spot. The dip that goes along with it is wonderful as well!

Make this tonight with some white wine and you are in for a GREAT Friday night!


Ingredients:
Serves 5

For Falafel Pockets
2 1/2 whole-wheat or high-fiber pitas
One 15-oz. can chickpeas, well drained
1 onion, very finely chopped
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tbsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. paprika, or more to taste
black pepper, to taste
Two 2-second sprays olive oil nonstick spray

For Dip
6 oz. plain fat-free yogurt
1 Persian cucumber, peeled and chopped (or another small cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and chopped)
1 tsp. dried dill
3/4 tsp. crushed garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
black pepper, to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Place all ingredients for falafel (except for the pitas and nonstick spray) in a large bowl, and give them a good stir. Using a potato masher, mash well. Mixture should remain slightly chunky, not smooth.
• Spray a baking sheet thoroughly with a 2-second spray of olive oil nonstick spray.
• One at a time, take spoonfuls of mixture in your hands and form 15 balls, each about the size of a ping pong ball, and gently place them on the baking sheet. Spray the top of each ball with olive oil nonstick spray, for a total of about a 2-second spray.
• Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for dip in a blender or food processor, and pulse until just blended. Season to taste with black pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Remove baking sheet from the oven, and carefully turn each ball over, gently reshaping if the bottoms have flattened. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 - 15 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Allow to cool and set for at least 5 minutes.
• Cut the whole pitas into halves, toast or warm all pita halves slightly, and then fill each with three falafel balls and 3 tbsp. dip. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

PER SERVING (1 pita pocket with 3 falafel balls and 3 tbsp. dip): 198 calories, 2.25g fat, 863mg sodium, 37g carbs, 8.5g fiber, 5g sugars, 10g protein

Soba Noodle Fun

I was feeling lazy last night so I decided to try something simple and tasty. This dish was just that and... with a little Morning Star "chicken" strips I added a little more protein and made this side dish into a main attraction. I absolutely love soba noodles for everything Asian inspired...especially soups (if you are looking for an amazing soba noodle soup in NYC try out Deli Marche, they have an awesome soba noodle bowl that is full of steamed veggies and tofu)

If you are feeling lazy tonight and have two hours to chill the noodles try this out...you won't be disappointed.
Ingredients:
Serves 4
1 package (8 oz) uncooked udon or soba (buckwheat) noodles
2 cups frozen organic cut green beans (from 16-oz bag), thawed
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons hot chili paste with garlic
1/3 cup water

Directions:

• Cook noodles as directed on package, adding green beans for the last 4 minutes of cook time. Rinse with cold water; drain.
• In microwavable bowl, mix remaining ingredients; microwave uncovered on High 15 to 20 seconds or until softened. Beat sauce with wire whisk until smooth.
• In large bowl, toss green beans and cooked noodles with sauce. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving: Calories 260 (Calories from Fat 25); Total Fat 3g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 480mg; Total Carbohydrate 48g (Dietary Fiber 6g, Sugars 6g); Protein 10g

Spinach Manicotti

This dinner was truly what the doctor ordered – it was only 8 ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time. Last night it was rainy and cold outside so I decided to make a pasta dish (because when it is cold outside there is nothing better than a nice and filling cheesy warm dish) and manicotti is my favorite pasta dish! This had just the right amount of spinach and cheese...pure heaven!

I served it with a really simple cucumber salad and it was the perfect compliment. The next time you have a cold and gross day try this out and it will cheer you right up!
Ingredients:
7 Servings (2 Manicotti Each)
1 box (8 oz) uncooked manicotti shells (14 shells)
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 box (10 oz) frozen organic cut spinach, thawed, drained, squeezed dry
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 jar (25.5 oz) pasta sauce (any flavor)

Directions:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Cook manicotti as directed on box. Rinse with cool water; drain well.
• In medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups of the Italian cheese blend, the red pepper, ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic and egg.
• In bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of the pasta sauce. Spoon ricotta mixture into manicotti; place over sauce in dish. Pour remaining sauce over manicotti.
• Cover tightly with foil; bake about 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling. Uncover dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend. Bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (2 Manicottis)
Calories 380, Total Fat 15g (Saturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 80mg, Sodium 770mg, Total Carbohydrate 41g, Fiber 4g, Sugars 6g, Protein 22g