Imagine a dinner plate that feels like a cozy hug after a long day—these low-calorie meals aren’t just about shedding pounds but savoring every bite with a guilt-free grin. Picture yourself strolling through a farmer’s market, the smell of fresh herbs mingling with the cool breeze, and suddenly, you’re inspired to whip up something light yet utterly satisfying. As life’s little chaos swirls around, these recipes promise simplicity, flavor, and a touch of culinary magic.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and gather all the necessary ingredients for the chicken dish with za’atar and harissa chickpeas.
- Coat the chicken with za’atar seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly covered for maximum flavor.
- In a pan, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, then set it aside to rest.
- In the same pan, add chickpeas with harissa and cook until they’re heated through and slightly crushed.
- Serve the cooked chicken alongside the warm, spiced chickpeas for a simple yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast fillets
- Za’atar spice mix
- Canned chickpeas, drained
- Harissa paste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
- What are some quick and easy low-calorie dinner options?
- For a speedy dinner, consider trying the chicken with crushed harissa chickpeas, which is packed with flavor yet simple to prepare. Another option is the soy-baked potatoes with tuna sriracha mayo, offering a fresh twist on the classic jacket potato.
- Can you suggest a vegetarian or vegan low-calorie recipe?
- The vegan squash stew is a hearty option that is both nutritious and satisfying, providing all five of your daily recommended servings of vegetables. Alternatively, the coconut & squash dhansak is a quick vegetarian curry that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
- What low-calorie meals can be made in advance for the week?
- Tomato soup with hummus crispbreads is an excellent choice for meal prep. Make the soup on a Sunday, and it will keep well in the fridge for the week. It’s packed with vegetables and red lentils for added protein.
- Are there any pescatarian options that are low in calories?
- The juicy prawn & lemongrass burgers make a delightful pescatarian dish, perfect for outdoor dining. For a comforting option, try the fish soup, which is rich in flavor and low in calories.
- What are some low-calorie meals suitable for a barbecue?
- For a barbecue, the juicy prawn & lemongrass burgers are a fragrant and light choice. They are seasoned with lemongrass and chili, making them a flavorful option for outdoor gatherings.
Tips
- When preparing the chicken with crushed harissa chickpeas, consider marinating the chicken in za’atar a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- For the chilli bean & guacamole topped chips, try adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime over the top for an extra burst of freshness.
- To elevate the smoky white bean & ricotta traybake, drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper before serving for added richness and flavor.
- For the tomato soup & hummus crispbreads, prepare a large batch of soup and freeze individual portions, making it easy to enjoy a quick, healthy meal throughout the week.
Equipment
- Za’atar Spice Blend – For the chicken with crushed harissa chickpeas.
- Harissa Paste – To add flavor to various dishes like the spicy harissa bean stew.
- Sriracha Sauce – Needed for the tuna sriracha mayo.
- Lemongrass – For the prawn & lemongrass burgers.
- Gremolata – For the sardine tomato pasta.
- Slow Cooker – For the slow-cooker chickpea stew.
- Coconut Milk – Used in the coconut & squash dhansak.
