Turkey Albondigas Soup with Spinach and Hominy

Turkey Albondigas Soup with Spinach and Hominy

adapted from Bon Appetit October 1994

Turkey Albondigas Soup with spinach is a nutritious, modern twist on the classic Mexican comfort food traditionally made with beef. This vibrant soup features tender, lean ground turkey meatballs (albondigas) seasoned with cilantro to provide a bright, spring-like flavor profile. The addition of fresh spinach at the very end of cooking adds a delicate texture and a boost of thyroid-supportive nutrients and iron while keeping the soup light and healthy.

Hominy is a type of corn that has undergone a specialized process called nixtamalization. It is a staple ingredient in Mexican and Southern American cuisines, known for its distinctive puffy texture and earthy, nutty flavor.

Makes 2 servings

1/3 lb ground turkey
4 tsp. panko breadcrumbs
1/3 egg
1/2 tsp.dried oregano
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 2/3 cups Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1/2 15-ounce can hominy, rinsed and drained
1/3 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 carrot, peeled, thinly sliced
1/3 onion, finely chopped
1/3 4-ounce can diced green chilies
2 1/2 ounces coarsely chopped fresh spinach leaves
2 Tbsp.fresh cilantro, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. Combine the turkey, panko, egg and oregano in a bowl.
2. Using a 1 Tbsp. scoop, shape turkey mixture into one-inch meatballs.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet; brown the meatballs
4. Bring broth to simmer in pot over high heat; Add meatballs and brown 2-3 minutes to set shape then remove to a plate.
5. Add the stock to the pot and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits sticking to the bottom.
6. Add hominy, tomato sauce, carrots, onion and chilies; Return to a simmer.
7. Add the meatballs and continue simmering until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
8. Add spinach and cilantro to soup and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes.
9. Season to taste with salt and pepper prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers with Asian Slaw

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers with Asian Slaw

adapted from Shady Brook Farms

This burger hits every taste bud with the umami of the sweet and savoy teriyaki glazed turkey patty and the refreshing crunch of a chilled slaw. The combination of aromatics and acidic dressing provides a light yet satisfying alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Makes 2 servings

1 cup shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1/4 cup grated carrot
1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp. rice vinegar

1/4 tsp. Sriracha powder or sriracha sauce

1/8 tsp. onion powder

1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup Homemade Teriyaki Sauce or store bought
8 ounces ground turkey
2 hamburger buns, toasted or grilled

1. Make the Asian slaw by mixing together the cabbages, carrot, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Whisk together the oil, vinegar. Sriracha powder, onion powder and garlic powder; Add to the cabbage mixture, toss to combine and refrigerate while making the burgers.
3. Divide the ground turkey in half; Form eah into a patty.
4. If time allows, refrigerate on a plate in the refrigerator for about an hour.
5. Mix mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of the teriyaki sauce; Set aside.
6. Brush turkey burgers with some of the teriyaki sauce.
7. Preheat a grill or grill pan.
8. Cook about 2-3  minutes on each side  brushing with remaining teriyaki while cooking; The internal temperature should be 165F.
9. Spread mayonnaise mixture inside buns; place turkey burgers in buns.
10. Serve the Asian slaw on top of the burger or on the side.

Enjoy!

Asian Wedding Soup

Asian Wedding Soup

adapted from Food Network

One of my favorite soups is Italian Wedding Soup. This recipe puts an Asian twist on it with the flavors of dumpling filling and ramen noodles.

If you are not going to be eating the soup shortly after it is cooked, cook the ramen separately and store in a separate container. This prevents the noodles from over absorbing the broth and becoming soggy.

Reminder: If a recipe calls for chopped fresh herbs, measure the herbs AFTER you chop them' if herbs, chopped measure before chopping.

Makes 2 servings                                                                  8 WW pts / serving

1/2 lb. ground lean turkey

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce

1/2 large beaten egg

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp. sugar substitute
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1 clove garlic, grated
1 scallion, thinly sliced
Cooking spray

Cooking spray
3 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
Pinch of Kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp. minced ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups Homemade chicken stock or canned chicken broth

1 3 oz. package dried ramen noodles. broken up

1 cup sliced spinach

Sambal oelek or your preferred Asian chili sauce, for serving

1. In a bowl, mix the turkey, cilantro, soy sauce, egg, panko, sugar substitute, salt, garlic and scallions together. 
2. Scoop the meatball mixture into 12 small balls and roll. 
3. In a pan coated with cooking spray or in a slow cooker with a searing function (coat the bottom of the insert with cooking spray), cook the meatballs until cooked through , about 4-6 minutes, tuning to brown on all sides. 
4. Remove the meatballs to a plate and store in the refrigerator until the soup base is made.
5. Recoat the pan or slow cooker insert with cooking spray; Sauté the scallion whites with  a pinch of salt and cook for a couple of minutes until softened.
6. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute. 
7. Add the stock, cover and and cook on high for, 2 hours. If using a traditional slow cooker combine the sautéed scallion mixture and the both to the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours.
8. Open the slow cooker and set to sauté; Once it is boiling, add the ramen, spinach and meatballs and cook cook for another 3 minutes until the noodles and spinach are soft and the meatballs are heated through.  If using traditional slow cooker, transfer the both to a pot, bring to a boil; Add ramen, spinach and meatballs and cook for about 3 minutes.
9. Adjust seasoning as needed. 
10. Add the scallion greens and serve with sambal oelek.

Enjoy!

Lean Mean Turkey Loaf Muffins

Lean Mean Turkey Loaf Muffins

adapted from There's a Chef in My Soup! by Emeril Lagasse

Turning meatloaf into muffins gives everyone an end piece.

served with Roasted Carrots and Fingerling Potatoes

Makes 2 servings                                                                  3 WW pts / serving

3/4 lb. lean ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp. chopped celery
2 Tbsp. chopped bell pepper
1/2 beaten large egg
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. Creole seasoning such as Emeril's Essence
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, onion, bread crumbs, celery, bell pepper, egg, ketchup, garlic, creole seasoning, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
3. Using an ice cream scoop place balls of the the turkey mixture into the wells of a muffin tin. You should have 4.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until brown on top and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 165 degrees F, about 25 minutes.
5. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Skillet

Pepperoni Pizza Skillet

adapted from Dinner then Dessert

Think Hamburger Helper on steroids but without all of the sodium and additives. Use any small to medium size pasta that you have on hand.

Finishing pasta in sauce creates a cohesive dish where the pasta absorbs flavor and the starchy water thickens the sauce, making it coat every bite.

Makes 2 servings                                                            10 WW pts / serving

1/4 lb. orecchiette pasta

Cooking spray
1/4 lb. lean ground turkey
1/4 small yellow onion, diced
1/4 small bell pepper, diced
2 oz. turkey pepperoni quartered
1/2 cup Classic Fat Free Marinara or your favorite pasta sauce
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 oz. 6 Cheese Italian blend shredded cheese or mozzarella 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta 1 minute less that the package directions recommend; Drain reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water; Do not rinse.
2. Add the ground turkey to a skillet coated with cooking spray; Brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until cooked through, about 8 minutes.
3. Strain the turkey and set aside; Wipe out the skillet.
4. Coat the skillet with cooking spray; Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the cooked turkey to the pan and add the marinara sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water; Cook and additional 2 minutes to tighten up the sauce.
6. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and stir until melted.
7. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Japanese Shiso Leaf Meatballs

Japanese Shiso Leaf Meatballs

adapted from I Heart Umami

Shiso leaves, also known as perilla, are quite common in Japanese and Korean cuisines. They have a unique, leaves have complex flavor that is frequently described as a blend of mint, basil, and anise with hints of cinnamon and citrus. The complex flavor pairs well with meat and seafood.The turkey in this recipe can be replaced with veal, chicken or even pork.

When forming meatballs, I like to use ice cream scoops. They provide a consistent size. I used the 1 Tbsp. scooper. Another tip is to oil your hands and the scoop with olive oil or cooking spray. This is a very soft mixture that likes to stick to things.

served over Grilled Zucchini Bulgur Pilaf

Makes 2 servings                                                             0 WW pts / serving

1/2 lb. ground lean ground turkey
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. grated ginger
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 beaten egg
1 tsp. arrowroot or cornstarch
12 small shiso leaves

Cooking spray

1. Combine ground with the rest of ingredients except the shiso leaves and cooking spray.
2. If time permits, place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and firm up a little.  
3. Shape 1 Tbsp. of the turkey mixture into a meatball; Slightly flatten the meatballs and place one shiso leaf per meatball, press gently make sure it does not fall off.
4. If time permits, refrigerate the balls again to allow the leaf to fully adhere to the meatball.
5. Preheat a skillet coated with cooking spray. 
6. Place the  meatballs non-shiso-leaf-side down and pan fry until the bottom is golden brown over medium-high heat, about 4-5 minutes. 
7. Gently turn the meatball to allow it to fry the other side, about 2-3 minutes. 
8. Turn the meatball back again and cook until the meat is cooked through. about 1 to 2 minutes.
9. Serve hot !

Enjoy!

Southeast Asian Turkey Burgers

Southeast Asian Turkey Burgers 

adapted from Gourmet  August 2007

Add a little Southeast Asian flair to your turkey burgers with lemongrass and chile.

These burgers can be served in a bun, as is or topped with an Asian slaw.

served with Ginger Sushi Rice

Makes 2 servings                                                                1 WW pt. / serving

1 Tbsp. lemongrass paste
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped shallot
1 1/2 tsp. grated ginger
1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped, including seeds
1/2 tsp. water
2 tsp. Asian fish sauce
3/4 lbs. ground lean turkey 
Cooking spray

Shiso slaw, optional

Myoga Shiso Rice, optional

1. Finely grind lemongrass, garlic, shallot, ginger, and chile with water and fish sauce in mini food processor, scraping down side frequently, until a paste forms.
2. Mix paste with the turkey until just combined; Form into 2 patties 
3. Chill patties, covered with plastic wrap, 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
4. In a pan coated with cooking spray or in a preheated grill, cook the patties until the internal temperature reaches 165F, flipping half way thru, about 12 minutes total.

Enjoy!

Bun-less Chili Cheese Turkey Dogs

Bun-less Chili Cheese Turkey Dogs

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

I lightened this recipe by replacing ground beef with ground turkey, beef hot dogs with smoked turkey dogs and American cheese with light American cheese as well as making less cheese sauce.

served with Zucchini Chips

Makes 4 servings                                                        5 WW pts / serving

1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 cup water
8 ounces deli American cheese, chopped coarse
4 tsp. skim milk
2 Tbsp. chopped jarred hot banana peppers, plus 1 tsp. brine
4 smoked turkey hot dogs
¼ cup finely chopped onion

1. In a pan coated with cooking spray, combine the turkey, chili powder, salt, and pepper; Cook over medium heat breaking up the meat, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. 
2. Push the turkey to the side; Add the tomato paste and cook until paste begins to darken, about 1 minute. Add water, stir to combine the tomato paste and turkey; Cook until sauce thickens and coats the turkey, about 4 minutes. 
3. Set aside and keep warm.
4. While the meat is cooking, microwave the American cheese, milk, and brine in small bowl until cheese is fully melted, about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Cover to keep warm.
5. Cook the hot dogs in a grill pan or on the grill, about 2 minutes per side. 
6. To serve divide hot dogs, chili, and cheese sauce evenly among 4 plates. 
7. Top with the peppers and onion prior to serving

Enjoy!.

Grilled Turkey Caesar Burger

Grilled Turkey Caesar Burger

adapted from America's Test Kitchen™

I prefer to use 85% lean turkey because it does not dry out as much as the 93% when grilled.

Makes 2 servings with extra dressing                      

10 WW pts / burger + 1 WW point / Tbsp of dressing

12 oz, ground turkey
1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, + 1 1/2 Tbsp. shaved
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 anchovy fillet, rinsed and minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 tsp.Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. olive oil, divided
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 leaves romaine lettuce, cut into 1½‑inch pieces

1. Divide turkey into 2 lightly packed balls, then gently flatten into ¾‑inch-thick patties. 
2. Using your fingertips, press center of each patty down until about ½ inch thick, creating a slight divot. Freeze patties for 30 minutes. 
3. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, anchovies, minced garlic, and Worcestershire in bowl; set aside.
4. Preheat the grill to high.
5. Brush each side of patties with 1/2 oil and season with salt and pepper. 
6. Turn all but primary burner off.
7. Place burgers, divot side up, over hotter part of grill and cook (covered if using gas) until well browned and meat easily releases from grill, about 5 minutes. 
8. Gently flip patties and continue to cook until well browned on second side and meat registers 160 degrees, 5 minutes. Transfer burgers to platter and let rest while preparing toppings.
9. Toss romaine with 1tablespoons dressing and shredded Parmesan in bowl to combined. 
10. Season to taste with salt and pepper to taste. 
11. Serve burgers open faced topped with romaine mixture, passing remaining dressing separately.

Enjoy!

Turkey Kofte with Apple Raita and Spinach

Turkey Kofte with Apple Raita and Spinach

adapted from Food Network

Kofte is a Turkish meatball while riata is an Indian term for a condiment made from yogurt mixed with fruit or vegetables.

This is a very wet meat mixture. Make you you let it set up in the refrigerator for at least an hours before shaping.

I made the mistake of getting pocketless pita so I had to serve it open faced. Make sure you get pita pockets. It will be much easier to eat.

Makes 2 servings                                                                6 WW pts / serving

For the turkey:
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

1 1/2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1/2 small onion, finely grated
1 1/2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp.cayenne powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 lb ground turkey, 90 percent lean
2 Tbsp. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 lemon, juiced

1 1/2 tsp. water

1/4 lb. baby spinach, washed and dried
Pita bread, lightly toasted
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

For the apple raita:
1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 Granny Smith apple, cored and finely diced
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Pinch ground cinnamon
Pinch cayenne pepper

1. Whisk together 1 Tbsp. of the oil, tomato paste, onion, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. 
2. Add the turkey and parsley and using your hands, gently mix until combined. 
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors meld. 
4. Heat the grill to high.
5. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and roll into balls. 
6. Gently press down on the top of each patty to flatten slightly. 
7. Add 1 Tbsp. oil to a hot pan; Cook the patties until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per size.
8. Whisk together the lemon juice, water and remaining 1/2 Tbsp. of oil in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. 
9. Add the spinach and toss to lightly coat the leaves in the dressing. 
10. Fill each pita with 3 of the patties, top with spinach, onions and raita. 

Enjoy!

Thai Turkey Lettuce Boats

Thai Turkey Lettuce Boats

adapted from Weeknights with Giada^© by Giada De Laurentiis

Most recipes that use lettuce as a serving vessel calls for Bibb lettuce. The Bibb lettuce that I can find is always small and you can barely fit much fitting into it. I prefer to use romaine. The sturdy rib running down the middle prevents the lettuce from falling apart while you are eating it. Not to mention romaine is much less expensive that thee Bibb or the lettuce that is packaged in the plastic containers and labeled as being for wraps. 

I like to use the lemongrass paste that you can find in the produce section of the grocery store. Fresh lemongrass is not that easy to find if you do not live near an Asian market.

To make this a 0 point meal, replace the honey with sugar substitute.

Makes 2 servings                                                             3 WW points / serving

8 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 1/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 Tbsp. fish sauce

1 Tbsp honey

Cooking spray

1 shallot, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

2 Tbsp. lemongrass paste or fresh lemongrass chopped

1/2 serrano chile, seeded, stemmed and minced

10 oz. ground turkey

Kosher salt and Freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. chopped basil (or your herb of choice)

Romaine leaves for serving (or your lettuce of choice)

1. In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, lemon juice, fish sauce and honey; set aside.
2. In a skillet coated with cooking spray, cook the onions, shallots, lemongrass and chile over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the turkey and cook, stirring frequently until it is cooked through, about 5 more minutes.
4. Pour in the dressing and cook until combined, about 2 more minutes.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper
6.  Remove from the heat and add the basil.
7. Serve in lettuce leaves

Enjoy!

Herby Turkey Burgers

Herby Turkey Burgers

adapted from Whole Foods

I love the ready to use sun-dried tomatoes. You do not need to rehydrate them and you don't get the added oil.

Makes 4 servings

1 lb. ground turkey breast
6 ready to use sun-dried tomatoes 
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp. dried)
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil (or 2 tsp. dried)
1 tsp. garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns 

3 Tbsp. garlic-lemon aioli
Your favorite burger toppings - lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions etc.

1. Gently mix the turkey, sundried tomatoes, parsley, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. 
2. Form into 4 patties, making an indentation in the middle of each one to help the burgers cook evenly. Cover and refrigerate an hour to blend flavors.
3. Grill patties until firm and browned, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. 
4. Serve on toasted buns with garlic-lemon sandwich aioli and your favorite burger toppings.

Enjoy!

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

adapted from Jennio.com

Stuffed peppers is a great way of stretching your ground protein. The more vegetables you add the further it gets stretched without adding more carbs. 

Makes 4 servings

2 bell peppers
1/2 ground turkey breast
1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups strained tomatoes or 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes 
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup shredded fat free Cheddar cheese
paprika
fresh minced parsley

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing; Discard seeds and veins.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
4. Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender.
5. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process; Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
6. Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. 
7. Add ground turkey to hot skillet. Stir to crumble, approximately 14 to 16 minutes. Always cook to well-done, 165°F. as measured by a meat thermometer.
8. Add onion, chopped bell pepper, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
9. Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in the cheese.
10. Divide the turkey mixture among the bell pepper halves.
11. Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
12. Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle with paprika and parsley, prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Cran-turkey Meatballs

Cran-turkey Meatballs

adapted from Hungry Girl to the Max ©

The dried cranberries add a nice pop of sweetness to the meatballs. Be careful when turning the meatballs; due to the lack of binder they are rather fragile.

Served with Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes & Fat Free Gravy

Makes 4 servings

1 lb. ground turkey breast
1/2 cup chili sauce, use your favorite
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Place a baking rack on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
3. In a bowl combine the turkey, chili sauce, cranberries, salt and pepper; mix thoroughly.
4. Divide the turkey mixture into 20 meat balls and place on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. Gently flip the meatballs and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Enjoy!

Spicy Oregano Turkey Burgers

Spicy Oregano Turkey Burgers

adapted from Food Network

The turkey mixture can also be formed into 1-inch meatballs which can be baked in a 350F oven for 12 minutes.

Makes 2 servings                                                        3 WW pp / serving

1/2 lb. ground turkey breast
1/2 shallot, finely diced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 beaten egg
2 Tbsp. panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce or Worcestershire sauce substitute
1 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. Chipotle aioli
Favorite toppings - Shredded lettuce, raw onion, caramelized onions, tomatoes, pickles, pickled jalapenos
2 Tumaro wraps or your favorite low carb roll

1. Combine the turkey, shallot, garlic, egg, panko, Worcestershire sauce and oregano; Mix gently to combine.
2. Form the meat mixture into 2 patties.
3. Cook the patties on a grill or in a grill pan or skillet for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. While the patties are cooking toast the wraps on a open flame.
5. Put the patties on the wraps, top with aioli and your [referred toppings.

Enjoy!

Tex Mex Bacon Turkey Burgers with Fat Free Queso

Tex Mex Bacon Turkey Burgers with Fat Free Queso

adapted from Rachael Ray Every Day March 2012

This burger looks and sounds decadent but using ground turkey breast meat and fat free queso it is surprisingly low in points.

I ran out of Worcestershire sauce while making this recipe. Most of the substitution site say you can use just soy sauce but it does not have that same complexity of flavor. I found a great alternative published by A Couple Cooks which I modified slightly. It is not the same color but it is amazingly close in taste.

served wide a side of fat free refried beans

and a side salad

Makes 2 servings                          2 WW pp if using a wrap / 1 WW pp without

2 slices center cut bacon, cooked to desired crispiness
1/2 lb. ground turkey breast
2 Tbsp. grated onion
1 1/2 tsp. chopped chipotle in adobe sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce or Worcestershire sauce substitute
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. Fat Free Queso
2 Tumaro wraps or your favorite low carb wrap / bun (optional)
Favorite burger toppings: lettuce, raw onion, caramelized onions, dill pickles, tomatoes ...

1. Combine the turkey, onion, and chipotle in a bowl; form into 2 patties.
2. Season each side of patties with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the patties on a preheat grill, griddle or frying pan coated with cooking spray for about 5 minutes per side.
4. If using a wrap, char each side over an open flame.
5. Top each burger with a tablespoon of queso, a slice of bacon and your favorite burger toppings.

Enjoy!

Smoked Turkey Chowder

Smoked Turkey Chowder

adapted from Gourmet, November 1995

This is a great way to use up some leftover smoked turkey or chicken breast meat. The reduced fat cheese and the fat free half and half give the chowder a cream mouth feel without all of the calories of heavy cream and full fat cheese.

Makes 5 servings                                                                  3 WW pp / serving

1 cup chopped onions

Cooking spray

1/2  large russet potato, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced 
2 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 cups Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1 cup fat free half and half
1 cup diced tomato without seeds
1 cup corn
1/2 cup reduced fat Mexican style shredded cheese 

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. finely chopped canned chipotle chili in adobo sauce
1/2 lb. smoked turkey breast, diced

1. In a pot coated with cooking spray, cook the onions until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the potato, garlic, and jalapeño and cook stirring, 1 minute. 
3. Stir in flour, and cook stirring 2 minutes. 
4. Whisk in stock and half and half and bring to a boil stirring constantly. 
5. Add the corn, cheese, parsley, chipotle, and chicken and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. 
6. Add the tomatoes and allow the soup to come back up to temperature.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Southwestern Shepherds Pie

Southwestern Shepherds Pie 

adapted from Taste of Home

In honor of National Pi Day, we are making Pie. Swapping out turkey for the traditional lamb, adding a bunch of vegetables and topping it with a combination of mashed cauliflower and potatoes makes this pie much more WW™ friendly.

Makes 2 servings                                                                2 WW pp / serving

1/2 lb. lean ground turkey breast
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
pinch of salt
1/2 cup cream-style corn

1/4 cup corn

1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed  

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
2 Tbsp. chopped green chilies
1 Tbsp. hot pepper sauce (optional)

2 servings Cauliflower-Potato Mash

2 Tbsp. fat free cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 425°. 
2. In a large skillet, coated with cooking spray cook turkey, onion, garlic and salt for 8-10 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink and onion is tender, breaking up turkey into crumbles. 
3. Stir in corns, black beans, tomato, green chilies and, if using, pepper sauce.
4. Divide between to oven safe baking dishes.
5. Top each serving with cauliflower-potato mash.
6. Place on a sheet pan and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until heated through.
7. Top each serving with a tablespoon for fat free cheddar cheese and continue baking until melted, about 2 more minutes.

Enjoy!

Turkey Taco Bowl

Turkey Taco Bowl

A taco bowl is a great way to get all the flavors of tacos without the carbohydrates. Try cooking the ground turkey breast with my Salt-Free Taco Seasoning.

Makes 1 serving                                                                3 WW pp / serving

3 ounces cooked ground taco turkey breast

1/2 cup Multicooker Black Beans
1/3 cup Cilantro Lime Cauliflower-Rice Blend

1/4 cup sautéed red onions

2 Tbsp. roasted red pepper strips

2 Tbsp. reduced fat Mexican cheese blend

1/4 cup chopped tomato

1 cup chopped lettuce

1 Tbsp. fat free sour cream

2 Tbsp. fat free salsa

1. Arrange all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Serve with additional salsa on the side.

Enjoy!

Barbecue Turkey Meatballs

Barbecue Turkey Meatballs

adapted from Cooking Light April 2013  

The sauce with these meatballs is rather spicy. If you do not like heat consider decreasing the diced tomatoes with mild green chiles and increase the tomato sauce or just use plain diced tomatoes instead.

Serve with Cauliflower - Potato Mash to catch the sauce.

Makes 4 servings                                             1 WW pp / serving                                                                   

1 Tbsp. Truvia brown sugar blend
2 1/2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. smoked paprika

1/8 tsp. paprika  
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes with mild green chiles

1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 lb. ground turkey breast
3 Tbsp. dried breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp. chili powder
Cooking spray

1. Blend the Truvia, vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, paprika, cloves and tomatoes until smooth.
2. Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, and chili powder in a large bowl; shape into 16 meatballs.
3. In a skillet coated with cooking spray , cook the meatballs for 2 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. 
4. Add the tomato mixture to pan; bring to a simmer. 
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 6 minutes or until the meatballs are done.

Enjoy!