Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
2 1⁄2 cups chopped onion (2 1/2 medium onions)
4 cups sliced mushrooms (16 to 20 medium fresh button mushrooms)
3⁄4 cup water
1 teaspoon bouillon (1 cube) - vegetable, beef or chicken
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon corn starch
3 Tablespoons light sour cream
3 cups cooked whole grain noodles or brown rice

Directions

1. Heat the margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and mushrooms. Sauté and stir until starting to brown.
2. In a small bowl, mix water, bouillon, garlic powder and cornstarch. Add to skillet and cook until sauce is thickened.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream.
4. Serve with cooked whole grain noodles or brown rice. Garnish with paprika and chopped parsley if desired.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Lentil Confetti Salad

Lentil Confetti Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup dry lentils
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup reduced fat italian dressing
1⁄2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
1⁄4 cup green peppers, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 a small pepper)
3 Tablespoons chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped celery
6 sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Wash and drain lentils. Place in saucepan, add water and salt.
2. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered about 20 minutes. Do not overcook. The lentils should be tender with skin intact. Drain immediately.
3. Combine the lentils with cooked rice, pour dressing over mixture and refrigerate until cool.
4. Add rest of Ingredients, except parsley, mix well.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving (optional).
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Asian Rice

Asian Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 package (16 ounces) frozen Asian style vegetables or 1 pound fresh vegetables
3 cups cooked rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 Tablespoon soy sauce or hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add eggs and scramble. Remove cooked eggs and set aside.
2. Add small amount of water to pan and cook vegetables until tender crisp.
3. Add cooked rice, garlic powder and ground ginger and stir to heat through, breaking up lumps by pressing against pan.
4. Add cooked chicken and cook until heated.
5. Add green onions and cooked egg, and heat through.
6. Serve with soy sauce or hot sauce.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use leftover ham or pork in place of chicken.
• Use brown rice to include whole grains

Almond Rice Pudding

Almond Rice Pudding

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 cups almond milk
1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract
cinnamon to taste
1⁄4 cup toasted almonds (optional)

Directions

1. Combine almond milk and rice in a 2-3 quart saucepan, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 1/2 hour with the lid on until the rice is soft.
3. Add sugar, vanilla, almond extract and cinnamon. Stir and serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add your favorite berries to the top for some color and a yummy taste!
• Add an extra cup of almond milk for a creamier texture.
• No almond milk? Use non-fat or 1% milk and 1½ teaspoons almond extract.

Tasty Hamburger Skillet

Tasty Hamburger Skillet

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1⁄3 cup chopped onion (1⁄3 medium onion)
1⁄3 cup green pepper, chopped
2 cups water
1 cup long grain white rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained (or about 1 1/2 cups frozen)
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper in large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until hamburger is no longer pink. Drain excess fat from pan.
2. Add water, rice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomatoes with juice, corn, and beans.
3. Cook, covered, for about 20 minutes or until rice is soft.
4. Remove from stove top, sprinkle with grated cheese, and serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Tip: Garnish this dish with a tablespoon of low-fat sour cream.
• Flavor boosters: green chilis, jalepeños, more garlic, and other seasonings.
• Make extra! Leftovers make a great filling for tacos, burritos, filling for stuffed bell peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Use whole grains! Use brown rice instead of white rice and increase cooking time to 45 minutes or until rice is cooked.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Southern Okra Bean Stew

Southern Okra Bean Stew

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 14 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or 3/4 teaspoons of garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup quick brown rice, uncooked
1 can (14.5 ounce) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 package (16 ounce) frozen, sliced okra
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the water, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
3. Add rice, beans, tomato sauce, and okra. Simmer uncovered 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Add liquid as needed for desired consistency.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute 2 cups cooked rice for the quick rice and reduce water by 1 cup.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 package (1.25 ounce) taco seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and oregano
1 cup instant brown rice
1⁄3 cup salsa
1⁄2 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
1⁄2 cup black beans drained and rinsed

Directions

1. Bring the vegetable broth and seasonings to boil in a medium saucepan (2 to 3 quarts).
2. Add the rice, salsa, corn and beans. Turn heat to low, cover pot, and let cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.
3. Gently stir before serving.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Substitute 1 1/3 cups of Farmers Market Salsa in place of the last three Ingredients.

Spicy Rice Casserole

Spicy Rice Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bell or jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 Tablespoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup (3 ounces) shredded low fat cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
2. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
3. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
• Try ground turkey in place of beef.

Peanutty African Stew

Peanutty African Stew

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup instant brown rice
2 cups chicken broth, reduced sodium (see Notes)
1 teaspoon dehydrated minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper (optional)
2 cups medium diced peeled sweet potato or yam
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1⁄4 cups non-fat or 1% milk
3 cups baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
1⁄4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts (optional)
green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

1. Combine first 9 Ingredients in a soup pot. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in peanut butter and milk. Return to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Top with peanuts and green onion, if desired.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Substitute a 10 ounce package of frozen spinach for the fresh spinach.
• Flavor boosters: chopped cilantro, red and green peppers, raisins.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.

Brazilian Black Beans and Sausage

Brazilian Black Beans and Sausage

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
8 ounces low-fat polish kielbasa sausage, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups water

1. Directions
2. Heat oil over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet); sauté sausage and onion until onion is clear.
3. Add remaining Ingredients.
4. Bring to boil over high heat, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add mushrooms or green bell peppers for variety.
• If you like spicy food, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Indian Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

Indian Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ginger, fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground
1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (try cauliflower, peppers, carrots or peas)
1 large baking potato, peeled and diced
1 cup white rice, uncooked
1⁄2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 1⁄2 cups water
1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add onion, ginger, turmeric, and cumin, and stir while cooking for 1 minute.
3. Add remaining Ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat.
4. Simmer 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a flavor boost, cook ½ cup raisins or diced apples with the vegetables.
• Try using brown rice instead of white, and increase the simmering time to 45 minutes.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans

Mexican Vegetable and Beef Skillet Meal

Mexican Vegetable and Beef Skillet Meal

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
3⁄4 cup onion, chopped (3/4 medium onion)
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained (about 2 medium fresh tomatoes)
1 1⁄2 cups vegetables fresh, frozen, or canned and drained (try one or more-zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, corn, cauliflower)
2 cups water
1 1⁄2 teaspoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheese

Directions

1. Cook beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add rice, tomatoes, vegetables, water, and spices. Stir and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low (250 degrees in an electric skillet). Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked. Add more water if needed.
5. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 1 to 2 minutes to allow cheese to melt. Serve warm.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try brown rice and simmer for 20 more minutes

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey & Vegetables

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey & Vegetables

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 3 peppers
Serving Size 1/2 pepper

Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
3 bell peppers (green, red, or yellow)
10 ounces ground turkey (half a 20 ounce package)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or basil and oregano leaves)
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1⁄2 onion (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 chopped zucchini (about 1 cup)
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with liquid

Directions

1. Cook the rice or prepare instant rice according to package Directions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom. Remove the stem and seeds.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet), cook the turkey until no longer pink. Add seasonings during last few minutes.
4. Add onion, mushrooms, and zucchini to the skillet. Add a small amount of oil, if needed. Saute until tender.
5. Mix in the tomatoes and rice. Remove from heat.
6. Fill the pepper halves with the skillet mixture.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until peppers are tender when poked with a fork.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try chicken, beef or pork instead of turkey.
• Add a sprinkle of cheese.
• If there is extra filling, try it in a wrap for another meal

Easy Meatballs

Easy Meatballs

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 24 meatballs
Serving Size 3 meatballs

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1⁄2 cup uncooked brown or white rice
2⁄3 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄2 cup chopped onion (1⁄2 medium onion)
1⁄2 cup shredded carrot
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

SAUCE

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed soup (try tomato, cream of mushroom or other flavors)
3⁄4 cup nonfat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a shallow baking dish (9" x 13" x 2") with cooking spray.
2. Combine beef, rice, milk, egg, onion, carrot, salt and pepper. Use a spoon to form 24 meatballs and place in baking dish.
3. Combine soup and milk. Mix well. Pour sauce over meatballs.
4. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try using uncooked quick cooking or old fashioned rolled oats instead of rice

Rice Salad

Rice Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled
1⁄4 cup chopped celery
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
1⁄4 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons chopped almonds
1⁄2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

1. Combine rice, celery, apple, raisins, and almonds in a medium bowl and mix well.
2. Combine yogurt, orange juice, and sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the rice mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add any of your favorite fruits for variety.
• Make this a whole grain recipe by using brown rice instead of white rice

Orange Rice Salad

Orange Rice Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Chill Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
1⁄2 cup celery, diced
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit
1⁄4 cup chopped nuts
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon orange juice or vinegar
1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 green onions, washed and thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges with juice
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all Ingredients together in medium-sized bowl.
2. Chill for an hour to allow flavors to blend.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding 2/3 cup diced green peppers or other crunchy vegetables.

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped vegetables (try a mixture - bell peppers, onion, corn, tomato, zucchini)
1 cup cooked meat (chopped or shredded), beans or tofu
1 cup cooked brown rice
2 Tablespoons salsa, shredded cheese or low fat sour cream

Directions

1. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).  Add vegetables and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
2. Add cooked meat, beans or tofu and cooked rice to skillet and heat through.
3. Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with salsa, cheese or sour cream and serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, add chili powder, red pepper flakes or taco sauce in Step 1.
• You can use any leftover cooked grain in this recipe. Try white or wild rice, quinoa, barley or oatmeal.

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups chopped vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned (try a mixture - celery, mushrooms, water chestnuts, bok choy, cabbage, zucchini, carrot or broccoli)
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 thin slices ginger root, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked ground turkey or turkey breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
3 cups cooked brown rice or whole grain noodles

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add vegetables, garlic, ginger root and salt. Stir fry for 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to prevent scorching. Add cooked turkey and sugar. Cook until vegetables are tender and turkey is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Serve warm over rice or noodles.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 cups diced cucumbers
1 cup seeded and diced tomato
1⁄4 cup chopped sweet onion
2 cups cooked couscous or rice
2 teaspoons dill weed
1⁄2 cup low-fat italian salad dressing

Directions

1. Toss together the cucumber, tomatoes, onions, couscous or rice, dill weed and salad dressing.
2. For best flavor, chill for 1 hour before serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped fruit (try a mixture - apples, bananas, raisins, berries, peaches)
2 Tablespoons chopped nuts (try unsalted walnuts or almonds)

Directions

1. Combine cooked rice, milk and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds. Stir and heat for another 45-60 seconds, or until rice mixture is heated through.
2. Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with fruit and nuts. Serve warm.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use a combination of fresh, canned, frozen and dried fruit in this recipe.
• You can use any leftover cooked grain in this recipe. Try white or wild rice, quinoa, barley or oatmeal.