Showing posts with label balsamic vinegar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label balsamic vinegar. Show all posts

Monday, March 9, 2009

Balsamic Chicken

So I've been on this eating light and healthier than usual kick. I found the recipe below via google and it was actually very good. I made roasted asparagus on the side. I noted my (few) changes. By the way, this recipe also works with pork chops.

Balsamic Chicken
Try this age-old South Beach Diet™ chicken recipe, passed down through generations of home-style cooks-and non-cooks alike! A terrifically simple recipe to prepare, the baked chicken is flavored with a full-bodied, sweet balsamic vinegar recipe originating in Italy. Our version of this classic balsamic chicken is actually a baked chicken recipe, and different because it uses chicken breast (which cooks faster than chicken on the bone) and is baked for a short time in a hot oven, sealing in flavors. The chicken is marinated in a fresh rosemary and garlic recipe, with aromatics and herbs commonly used with pork and lamb - but equally fantastic with chicken. This South Beach Diet™ balsamic chicken recipe is the perfect dinner for you and your family.
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, minced (I used dried instead of fresh)
2/3 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons white wine (optional)(I left this out)
1 1/3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Combine the rosemary, garlic, pepper, and salt in a small bowl and mix well. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil, and rub with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a heavy roasting pan or iron skillet with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Turn the chicken over. If the drippings begin to stick to the pan, stir in 3-4 tablespoons water or white wine (if using).
Bake about 10 minutes (I baked about 30 minutes) or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 160°F and the juices run clear. If the pan is dry, stir in another 1-2 tablespoons of water or white wine to loosen the drippings. Drizzle the vinegar over the chicken in the pan.
Transfer the chicken to plates. Stir the liquid in the pan and drizzle over the chicken.
Nutritional Information:
183 calories
6 total fat (1 g sat)
65 mg cholesterol
4 g carbohydrate
26 g protein
0 g fiber
270 mg sodium

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Tomato and White Bean Soup

This is a lighter soup and is high in protein with yummy vegetables. I had french garlic bread on the side. I didn't follow the recipe exactly so my changes are noted

Tomato and White Bean Soup
Idea from: The Savory Notebook

Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion (1 medium onion)
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced (omitted)
3 garlic cloves, crushed (I used minced)
2 (14.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped(I used diced tomatoes.)
2 (16-ounce) cans cannellini or other white beans, drained (I only used 1 can.)
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fat-free chicken broth
Splash of white wine (omitted)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (I used dried)
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Balsamic Vinegar
Parmesan cheese rind (omitted)
Green Onions, for garnish (omitted)

Directions
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery and carrot. Saute for about 7 minutes, until soft. And garlic, and sauté 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and next 6 ingredients (tomatoes through pepper), and bring to a boil. (This is where I added the Parmesan rind.)
4. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. (I simmered for at least 20 minutes.)
5. Ladle into bowls, and sprinkle with cheese. (I added green onions, parsley and a splash of balsamic vinegar here.)

**I didn't puree this and I added a lot more vegetables than called for, so it was sort of a chunky tomato soup. You could definitely puree it if you wanted a smoother soup.**