On Monday, we went meatless…well I did at least. But at least hubby took part in the appetizer being all veggie…and the response? He likes it! He really likes it! (throwback to Mikey in the 80’s, hope I just didn’t date myself.) I probably sold him on the idea that they were “chips” and my hubs is a chip fanatic. Seriously, there should be chip rehab for people because I’d admit him yesterday.
I have been experimenting with food from a very young age. My mom tells me I was making my own veggie platters when I was only four years old. I had a desire for preparation, presentation, and serving, not so much of the clean up though. Shocker. But I do clean while I cook. Makes me cray if I don’t. From a young age I also had a huge obsession with deep fried pickles, I meannnn, I still do! But, If I’m going to indulge in a treat, I really aim for food to provide some sort of nutritional benefit for my body. I want to please both my body and my brain. So when I’m craving deep fried goodness I now turn to this treat as my go to appy. This is a variation of several recipes I have seen online, in cookbooks, magazines or suggested by some fellow bloggers. In spirit, this is a COPY COOK, but there are enough variations that I have made it my own.
Nutrition 101:
Pickles are delish, no doubt. They are in essence a cucumber, which are made up mostly of water. The benefit here for you counters out there, pickles contain only about 4 calories each! I know right? They contain no fat or cholesterol. So what’s the problem you ask? Sodium! Street name: SALT! The salt content in pickles is outrageous! I’m not a salt consumer, and try to avoid foods that have a high sodium content, so this was the underlying motivation to find a treat that would at least give me some additional nutritional boosts, even if I am frying them up {in coconut oil}!
Zucchini is actually a fruit! Mind blown? Mine was. Zucchini has the reputation of being a food that promotes weight loss but also gives you nutritional benefits as well. Zucchini does a body good and here are a few reasons why:
- Preventive food for diseases and deficiencies such as: Sclerosis, Scurvy, Asthma, Vitamin C deficiency, bruising, arthritis, some cancers, and can help to reduce cardiovascular risks.
- Low caloric content = weight loss
- High in fibre, potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, and Manganese.
So if you are craving a crunchy, sinful, yet nutritional treat try these:
Zucchini Chips with a Sriracha Yogurt Dip
What You Will Need:
(Try to go Organic)
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| The Mixin’s |
The Chips:
2 Zucchinis
2 Eggs
1 Cup of Panko Crumbs or Try using Quinoa!
1/2 Cup of Grand Padano Parmesan Cheese
1 Tsp of Onion Powder
1 Tsp of Garlic Powder
A few healthy grinds of Sea Salt and Black Pepper
2-3 Tbsp of Coconut Oil
The Sauce:
1 Cup of Greek Yogurt
1 Tbsp of Sriracha
1 Clove of Garlic (minced)
Step By Step: (Ooh Baby!)
1. Heat your coconut oil in your pan to a boil. Toss in a speck of panko to test when the oil is ready. If the panic sizzles, you are good to go!
2. In preparation, you have sliced your zucchini, with the skin on, into thin slices. Set them aside.
3. Mix your two eggs into a consistent mixture and also set aside.
4. Combine your parmesan cheese, panko, garlic and onion powder, and S&P into a lovely ocean of goodness.
5. Welcome back your zucchini to the party. Dip your zucchini into your egg mixture being mindful to coat well. Next, cover your zucchini chips with the crumb mixture. Make sure they are well dressed.
6. Gently place them into the frying pan. Flip them after about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to brown nicely so you get that crunch you have been craving!
7. Place your crispy zucchini chips on a paper towel or tea towel to absorb the excess oil.
8. Repeat this process until you have a full plate or bowl of your tasty treat.
9. Mix all of the ingredients of your sauce in a bowl.
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| Get it in ya! |
10. Enjoy!
Even though this recipe does involve frying your food, you are still reaping some of the nutritional benefits of the amazing zucchini fruit! Ditch the salt, savour the crunch, and enjoy the moment. If you are dead set against frying, you can also use this exact method and bake it in the oven! Set your oven to 400 degrees and cook on each side for 12-15 minutes or until brown and crispy! This is the perfect healthy vegitizer to kick off the NHL playoff season!
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| Nom. |
There is always a healthy alternative to ANY recipe!
Love You All,
K.