Cooking Light Low Calorie Dinners
Thursday, August 17, 2023
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Cooking Light Low Calorie Dinners
Delicious Low Calorie Dinners
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Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potato
This Mexican-inspired dish is sure to be a favorite. It’s easy to make and packs a flavorful punch. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add the black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and cut in half lengthwise.
7. Divide the filling among the sweet potatoes, top with cilantro, and serve.
Nutrition:
Calories: 181, Protein: 6g, Carbohydrate: 32g, Fiber: 5g, Total fat: 4g, Saturated fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 216mg, Sugars: 7g
Eggplant Parmesan
This classic Italian dish is a healthier version of the original. It’s still full of flavor, but with fewer calories than the traditional version. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each eggplant slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat both sides.
5. Place the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
6. Meanwhile, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. To assemble the Eggplant Parmesan, spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with half of the eggplant slices. Top with 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and all of the Mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining eggplant slices and remaining marinara sauce.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition:
Calories: 247, Protein: 10g, Carbohydrate: 28g, Fiber: 6g, Total fat: 11g, Saturated fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 565mg, Sugars: 8g
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese is a healthier twist on the classic. Broccoli adds nutrition, while the low-fat cheese keeps it light. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
7. Add the macaroni and broccoli to the sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition:
Calories: 315, Protein: 14g, Carbohydrate: 38g, Fiber: 3g, Total fat: 12g, Saturated fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 446mg, Sugars: 6g
Conclusion
Cooking Light low calorie dinners are a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without the guilt. The recipes above are easy to make and full of flavor. So don’t let a low calorie diet keep you from enjoying a good meal. Try one of these recipes today and see for yourself how delicious healthy eating can be.
