LaaLoosh » Middle-Eastern

Middle Eastern Olive Chicken Recipe – 8 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:14:25 +0000

This is one of my favorite light Shabbat dinner recipes that is a huge hit every time I serve it. Each serving of this Middle Eastern Olive Chicken Recipe has just 8 Points + per serving, which includes a chicken breast smothered in potatoes and a spicy green olive sauce. It’s so flavorful and so filling, it’s really hard to believe that this hearty dish will fit into your Weight Watchers plan! Plus, I love how easy it is to make. It’s a one pot chicken recipe, which makes clean up a lot easier (and I’m ALL about quick and easy clean up on a Friday night). I made this again a few weeks ago, and I was so full that I really had no desire to snack later that evening, which is great, because my Weight Watchers weigh in was the next morning. Truly a delicious dish, this easy Middle Eastern Olive Chicken Recipe has become a regular meal around here.

Middle Eastern Olive Chicken Recipe

An easy one pot chicken recipe, this delicious Middle Eastern Olive Chicken is flavorful and filling, making it a wonderful healthy dinner idea that won’t use up all your Points.

Ingredients

1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( I used 4, 4oz breasts)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 small red potatoes, peeled and diced
1 28oz can of diced tomatoes
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1-2 cups fat free chicken broth
1 cup green olives, pitted
3 tbsp capers, rinsed
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Juice from 1 lemon, fresh squeezed
Zest from ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Spray a large pot or Dutch oven with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat.
Cut chicken into bite size pieces, and brown in pot. Remove chicken after all pieces are browned on each side.
Add in garlic and onion and sauté, stirring constantly, until tender, about 5 min.
Return chicken to pan, and sprinkle with cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Add in potatoes, tomatoes, and 1-2 cups of broth (use enough broth to cover all the chicken and potatoes. Cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and cooked through (about 25-30 minutes).
Add in lemon juice, lemon zest, capers olives and parsley and heat through. Add in additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve immediately.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Diet tags: Reduced fat, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire Olive Chicken Recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 4oz breast and ¼ of the sauce
Each serving = 8 Points +

PER SERVING: 315 calories; 8g fat; 31g carbohydrates; 32g protein; 5g fiber

Spicy Green Salad Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:38:43 +0000

I love salads, but I often tire of the same old salad recipes with the same old salad dressings. This delicious Spicy Green Salad Recipe I learned from my father-in-law, who makes the most amazing salads I’ve ever had, with just the simplest of ingredients. Full of fresh herbs, crisp romaine lettuce and spicy jalapenos, this low calorie salad definitely does not lack flavor! And rather than using a pre-made bottled salad dressing, I made my own with just a few ingredients, and I truly believe that it tastes much better than any other salad dressing. Each serving of my Spicy Green Salad is just 1 Points +, and makes a great low Points + accompaniment to many different Weight Watchers Recipes.

Spicy Green Salad Recipe

This unique Spicy Green Salad recipe is not only delicious, light and healthy, it’s lovely to look at and goes well with many different low calorie meal ideas.

Ingredients

2 cups baby romaine lettuce, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 jalapenos, seeded and very finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice from 1 small lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl combine lettuce, dill, parsley, onion and jalapenos. Toss well.
Add in garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 ¼ cups
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 68 calories; 4g fat; 2g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 2g fiber

Tabbouleh Recipe with Quinoa – 4 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:31:43 +0000

I love to experiment with Quinoa in a variety of different Weight Watchers Recipes. It’s so good for you, and I really enjoy the flavor and texture. When I used it instead of couscous in a traditional Tabbouleh recipe, I was thrilled with the end result. The calorie and fat content was less and the protein and fiber were higher, thus giving it a lower Points value – each 3/4 cup serving is just 4 Points +. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Quinoa, it’s a South American grain, originating in the Andes. It is loaded with protein, rich in phosphorous, magnesium and iron, and has a mild, nutty flavor. Quinoa is a great idea for a lighter and healthier alternative to rice, couscous and bulgur – and it’s gluten-free. If you love the flavors of Middle Eastern salad recipes, like traditional Tabbouleh recipe, give this version with quinoa a try instead!

Tabbouleh Recipe with Quinoa

A delicious idea for a low calorie Middle Eastern side dish recipe, this Tabbouleh recipe with Quinoa is a wonderful choice. Light, fresh, flavorful, and just 4 Points + per serving, it’s a great compliment to many Weight Watchers meals.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tomatoes, diced
3 Persian cucumbers, diced
2 bunches green onions, diced
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature; fluff with a fork. Set aside in refrigerator to cool.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, pepper, lemon juice, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and parsley. Stir into cooled quinoa.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein, Gluten free

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 3/4 cup
Each serving = 4 Points +

PER SERVING: 167 calories; 6g fat; 21g carbohydrates; 4g protein; 4g fiber

Green Olive Chicken Recipe – 4 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:57:01 +0000

A great idea for a quick weeknight dinner, this Green Olive Chicken Recipe is a one skillet dish and requires very minimal prep. Each 4 Points + serving is full of fantastic flavors. It’s also loaded with veggies and protein and makes great for leftovers the next day. If you want to bulk it up a bit more, try serving over some high fiber pasta or brown rice (but make sure to factor in the extra Points!). Or, serve over some 0 calorie Miracle Noodles for NO additional calories or Points.

Green Olive Chicken Recipe

Flavorful and light, this Green Olive Chicken Recipe has just 4 Points + per serving, making it the perfect low calorie dinner entree that’s tasty and satisfying.

Ingredients

4 4-oz skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 cup chopped zucchini
1/3 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
1 cup fat free chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, olives, salt and pepper, crushed red pepper in a bowl.
Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.
Saute garlic and onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add in the chicken breasts and wine and cook the chicken until browned on one side, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn it over; top with the tomato mixture, broth, bay leaves and tomato paste.
Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until cooked through, 10-15 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 chicken breast, with about 2/3 cup veggies and sauce
Each serving = 4 Points +

PER SERVING: 168 calories; 3g fat; 8g carbohydrates; 27g protein; 4g fiber

Olive and Mushroom Tapenade Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:52:33 +0000

If you need a tasty, yet healthy idea for a Hanukkah party appetizer (or any holiday party!), this delicious Olive and Mushroom Tapenade Recipe will have your guests squealing with delight. Incredibly flavorful but light, each 1/4 cup serving has just 2 Points +. And I LOVE the addition of almonds which gives it a sightly more coarse texture and adds a very mild hint of sweetness…oh so yummy. You can serve the mushroom olive tapenade alongside crusty bread with goat cheese, grilled vegetables or chicken, or even toss it with some 0 calorie Miracle Noodles or another high fiber, low calorie pasta for an amazing meal. I especially love serving this at Hanukkah because it does have some oil, but it has so much less than all the latkes and other traditional oily foods. Plus, it’s delicious and unique, and no one has any idea that it’s Weight Watchers friendly. There are days when I will just make this for myself and dip some raw veggies into it as my evening snack while catching up on my DVR. Enjoy!

Olive and Mushroom Tapenade Recipe

A delicious and light appetizer recipe that is ideal for Hanukkah and other holiday parties, this divine Olive and Mushroom Tapenade is an amazing treat. With just 2 Points + per serving, it’s a dip that makes you feel like you’re indulging, but still keeps you on track.

Ingredients

1 cup pitted green olives
1/2 cup portabello mushrooms
1/4 cup almonds, toasted
1 anchovy fillet, rinsed and drained
3 tbsp fresh parsley
4 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a food processor, combine all ingredients.
Pulse until roughly chopped.
The spread should have a coarse but easily spoon-able texture. Let stand for about 30 minutes for the flavor to develop.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time:

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Spanish

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is ¼ cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 88 calories; 5 g fat; 2 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:45:08 +0000

This low calorie salad recipe puts a delicious Mediterranean spin on traditional tuna salad recipes. Light and fresh, it’s loaded with fiber and protein, making it an ideal Weight Watchers Recipe. It’s an entree sized salad – about 2.5 cups for the serving size, so it’s definitely satisfying. And the whole serving has just 5 Points +! And the best part is that it’s so easy to make, so if you need a quick lunch recipe that you can make in a pinch, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad is perfect. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe

Fresh and delicious, this low calorie tuna salad is loaded with fantastic Mediterranean elements. Each nicely sized serving is just 5 Points +, making it a great idea for a light lunch recipe.

Ingredients

8 cups mixed salad greens
1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 6z cans chunk light tuna in water, drained
1 cup Persian cucumbers, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Combine beans, tuna, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, parsley, rosemary, 1/4 cup lemon juice in a medium bowl.
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice, oil and salt & pepper in a large bowl.
Add salad greens; toss to coat.
Divide the greens among 4 plates. Top each with the tuna salad.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time:

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 4 serving size
Serving size is ¼ of entire recipe, approx 2 ½ cups
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 198 calories; 4 g fat; 24 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 9 g fiber

Tahini Citrus Dressing Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:42:50 +0000

Skip the store bought low calorie salad dressings, and make this homemade Tahini Citrus dressing instead! Not only is it AMAZINGLY delicious and super easy to make, but it has just 1 Points + per 2 tbsp serving. It tastes so fresh and light, and can be used in a variety of different ways – dress up your leafy greens with it, drizzle it over grilled meats, use it to top roasted veggies, or use it as a dipping sauce. I love the versatility of this low calorie tahini dressing recipe! And making a salad dressing yourself vs. buying a pre-made one at the store keeps it fresh and preservative free, which I love, so I feel good about serving it to kids too. This zesty and tangy dressing is seriously so delicious, you’d never guess it was low calorie.

Tahini Citrus Dressing Recipe

Treat yourself to a homemade salad dressing recipe that tastes better than anything you’ll find pre-made at the grocery store. Fresh, light and zesty, each serving has just 1 Points + and makes the perfect low calorie dip recipe, salad dressing, or sauce to drizzle over grilled meat and vegetables.

Ingredients

1/2 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup water, or more if needed
2 tbsp tahini paste
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Add all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

Quick Notes

As brands of tahini paste can vary in degrees of thickness, if your dressing comes out to thick, feel free to add more water if needed.
Tahini paste can be found in the Middle Eastern section of your grocery store.

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size is 2 tbsp
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 28 calories; 2 g fat; 0 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber

Couscous and Garbanzo Bean Tabbouleh – 4 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:18:41 +0000

Looking for a healthy vegetarian side dish recipe that is filling and yet tasty enough to satisfy the whole family? Well this DELICIOUS Couscous and Garbanzo Bean Tabbouleh Salad Recipe will not disappoint! At just 4 Points + per serving, it’s quite a bargain for such a satiating side dish. I also LOVE that it’s packed with fiber, and because couscous is a pasta, this low calorie side dish recipe is so filling. When visiting the Middle East, I couldn’t get enough of the tabbouleh salads over there…they are SO yummy. In fact, they have tons of amazing salad recipes that puts America’s traditional leafy green salads to shame. But since tabbouleh salads use couscous as the base, they can tend to be pretty caloric. I made some small changes to a traditional tabbouleh recipe and it resulted in a Middle Eastern Salad Recipe that is not only Weight Watchers friendly, it is amazingly delicious. Seriously people, put this on your “Must Make ASAP” list.

Couscous and Garbanzo Bean Tabbouleh Recipe

If you are craving a good, low calorie Middle Eastern recipe, this healthy spin on a traditional couscous tabbouleh salad will have you jumping for joy. With just 4 Points + per serving, this vegan side dish recipe goes great with a variety of meals, but won’t use up a lot of your precious Points Plus Allowance.

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat couscous
1 1/4 cups water
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
juice and zest from 1/2 a large lemon

Instructions

Bring water to a boil, then pour in couscous. Stir, cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss couscous, tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, and green onions.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Drizzle over couscous and toss to combine.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 4 Points +

PER SERVING: 177 calories; 2 g fat; 33 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein; 6 g fiber

Watermelon Slush Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:07:58 +0000

Here’s another delicious, low calorie slush recipe that’ll keep you cool and satisfied this summer. Light and refreshing, this Watermelon Slush is not only amazingly yummy, it has just 2 Points + per serving, and is a much healthier snack option than a milkshake or even yogurt smoothie. It’s so easy to make and is perfect when you are craving something cool and sweet, but don’t want to use a lot of your Weight Watchers PointsPlus. And my husband and toddler LOVED it! I’m actually planning on making these for my Memorial Day BBQ this year, and I’m pretty confident that they’ll be a hit with everyone.

Watermelon Slush Recipe

A delicious and easy low calorie drink recipe that’s perfect for summer BBQ’s and poolside afternoons! Treat the whole family to a cool and refreshing watermelon slush for just 2 Points + each, instead of a milkshake or smoothie, and save a ton of sugar and calories.

Ingredients

4 cups watermelon, chopped
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp sugar
1 cup ice cubes
1 cup water

Instructions

Put all ingredients in a blender and use the chop setting for about 10-15 seconds, then use the puree setting for about another 15 seconds.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time:

Diet type: Vegan

Diet (other): Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Meal type: cocktail

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is about 1 1/2 cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 58 calories; 0g fat; 14 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber

Frozen Mint Lemonade Recipe – 0 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:06:27 +0000

It was a sunny and beautiful this weekend here in California, and the heat had me craving a cold, icy beverage. I realized that it was time to whip out my blender and get to work! One of my absolute, all time favorite frozen drink recipes ever is the Israeli Limonada that I was introduced to on one of my trips to Israel. A limonada, or limonana (as it’s sometimes called) is a mint lemonade slushie type drink. It’s such an easy recipe, but OH EM GEE is it good!!! So deliciously refreshing and aesthetically appealing, it’s a great idea for a low calorie summer drink recipe for your parties/BBQ’s this year. The original limonana recipe uses sugar, which of course tastes amazing, but in order to cut down on the calories and Weight Watchers PointsPlus, I just subbed out the sugar with Splenda, which gives it a 0 Points + value. Yipee!!!! Though, when making this for my son or husband (or myself when I have some PointsPlus to spare), I use an organic sugar to keep it less artificial. Either way, it tastes fantastic and is so ridiculously easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping these babies up on a very frequent basis. Enjoy!

Frozen Mint Lemonade Recipe

An easy WW Frozen Drink Recipe that is so light and refreshing, you may just find yourself making it on a regular basis! This Mint Lemonade Slush Recipe is seriously to die for, and it has 0 Points +! Adapated from the traditional Israeli Mint Limonada Recipe, this lighter version is a treat for your tastebuds AND your waistline.

Ingredients

1 cup ice cubes
1 cup water
juice of one lemon
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (about 8-10)
2 packets Splenda

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and use the “crush ice” mode for about 10 seconds.
Switch to “puree” mode and process for about another 15 seconds or until very smooth.

If you don’t want to use artificial sweetener, switch out the Splenda for 5 tsp of sugar, and count the entire recipe as 2 Points +.

Cooking time (duration): 5

Diet type: Vegan

Diet (other): Low calorie

Number of servings (yield): 1

Meal type: cocktail

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Entire recipe makes 1 16 oz serving
Serving size is the entire recipe
Each serving = 0 Points +

PER SERVING: 15 calories; 0g fat; 0 g carbohydrates; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber