More and more people are starting to eat healthy - not just to lose weight but also to maintain a stronger body. If you're new to this lifestyle, it's easy to get bored with portioned meat, steamed vegetables and low-fat everything. Jazz up your healthy dishes with the kick of natural spices and the delicious flavor of fresh herbs. Snack on these 3 low-calories herbs and spices recipes and you'll know how good healthy eating is!
1. Creamy Cilantro Pizza
What you need:
1/2 bunch cilantro
3/4 cup ground lamb
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon non-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 green chiles, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons canola or grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and coarsely ground
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and coarsely ground
Handful of mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
3 pieces frozen naan, thawed
Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat and cook onion and garlic until tender. Stir in ground lamb, toasted coriander and cumin seeds, salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes or when lamb is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside. Mix together cilantro, 1/4 cup yogurt, green chiles and water in a blender (season with salt and pepper if desired) and process until smooth. Divide the cilantro-yogurt sauce among naan followed by cooked lamb then top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in a pre-heated oven (450F) until cheese starts to bubble. Garnish with remaining yogurt, raw onion and cilantro leaves.
2. Basil and Lavender Fruit Bowl
What you need:
2 peaches, diced
1 cup grapes
1 cup watermelon cubes
1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
1/2 teaspoon finely minced fresh sweet basil
Heat the lime juice and the honey over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir until well-combined. Remove from heat when heated through then add lavender buds and basil leaves. Set aside and let sit for 8 to 10 minutes. Place peaches, grapes, watermelon cubes and blueberries in a large bowl and pour basil and lavender syrup over fruits.
3. Healthy Herb Summer Salad
What you need:
2 ears corn, husked and cooked
12 lettuce leaves
2 limes, juiced
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly slices
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup feta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
In a medium bowl, mix together scallions, cilantro, parsley, lime juice and olive oil. Strip the corn from the cob carefully using a sharp knife and add the kernels to the herb mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined. Divide the mixture into 12 and scoop into lettuce leaves. Top with feta cheese and season with ground pepper.
Eating nutritious hasn't been this good - try these amazing low-calorie herbs and spices snacks for a healthier and slimmer body!
