Let's talk about how our understanding of what it means to eat healthy has completely transformed over the last decade. Forget those tiny, tasteless portions that left you feeling unsatisfied. Today, the focus is on creating meals that not only nourish your body but also delight your taste buds. The new cookbook Big Bites captures this shift perfectly, offering recipes that redefine what healthy eating can be. As author Kat Ashmore puts it, "Big Bites is all about simple, comforting dishes that show ‘healthy food’ in an entirely new light." These recipes bring color, texture, and nourishment to your plate, delivering big flavors and personality in every bite. Imagine meals that are both satisfying and good for you. Doesn't that sound amazing? Let's dive into some delicious examples!
Kat Ashmore's cookbook emphasizes recipes that are not just good for you but also irresistibly tasty. You won’t miss out on flavor with these hearty, colorful dishes. Each recipe is crafted to make you feel good about what you're eating, and they're easy enough to prepare even after a long day. Ready to give one a try tonight? Let’s get started!
Mostly Spinach Dip: A Creamy, Veggie-Packed Delight
(Serves 8)
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Here’s a dip that proves you can enjoy something rich and creamy without sacrificing your health. This Mostly Spinach Dip is packed with greens, protein, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect appetizer for game night or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
11⁄4 tsp. kosher salt
1 (16-oz.) pkg. frozen spinach, defrosted, excess liquid squeezed out, and chopped
3⁄4 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
3⁄4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
1⁄2 tsp. pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella
1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens. Throw in the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, then cook for another 4 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate and let it cool.
2. Pat the spinach as dry as you can—this is key to avoiding a watery dip. Place it in a food processor along with the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, pepper, nutmeg, 1/4 cup of mozzarella, and the remaining salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the cooled onion mixture to the food processor and pulse a couple of times to combine everything evenly.
4. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with the remaining olive oil. Pour the dip into the dish, spread it out evenly, and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, then switch to broil for 3 minutes to get that golden crust. Serve it with pita bread or your favorite veggies for dipping.
PER SERVING: 122 calories, 6 grams protein, 5 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 9 grams fat
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Sausage and Peperonata: A Hearty Italian-Inspired Dish
(Serves 4)
This dish is a celebration of Italian flavors, combining savory sausage with sweet bell peppers and aromatic herbs. It’s a meal that’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces on a diagonal
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, smashed and sliced thin
4 red and/or orange bell peppers, seeded and sliced thin
2 large tomatoes, diced
1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. Balsamic vinegar
1⁄4 cup minced fresh basil
1 tbsp. minced fresh oregano
Directions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and brown them on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once they’re golden brown, transfer them to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the remaining oil to the skillet, followed by the diced onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to medium-low, season with black pepper, and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, basil, and oregano. Nestle the cooked sausages back into the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature.
PER SERVING: 238 calories, 10 grams protein, 16 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber, 9 grams sugar, 15 grams fat
Dark Chocolate Earl Grey Mousse: A Sophisticated Dessert
(Serves 6)
This dessert combines the rich, velvety texture of dark chocolate with the subtle floral notes of Earl Grey tea. It’s a treat that feels indulgent but is actually a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate mousse.
Ingredients:
1 Earl Grey tea bag
1⁄4 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped dark chocolate
1⁄2 tsp. Vanilla extract
1⁄4 tsp. kosher salt
1 lb. silken tofu
Coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for serving
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag. Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for 6 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the Earl Grey flavor will be. Once done, return the saucepan to low heat, remove it again, and stir in the maple syrup and chopped chocolate until
