Thanksgiving is such a beautiful time of year, filled with gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food! But when you’re focusing on health, it can be tough to navigate the traditional feast. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite *bariatric Thanksgiving recipes* that are not just healthy but also hearty and satisfying! I know firsthand how important it is to enjoy the holiday without feeling guilty, so I’ve crafted meals that fill you up with great flavors while keeping those calories in check. Let’s dive into this wonderful journey of creating a festive, nourishing table that everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients List
For this delightful bariatric-friendly Thanksgiving dish, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a colorful mix)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (I recommend parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish)
Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Prepare Bariatric Thanksgiving Recipes
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is super straightforward and packed with flavor. Here’s how to whip it up:
- First things first, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This step is key for a great taste!
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and the 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is fluffy. You’ll know it’s done when the little spirals separate from the grains!
- While the quinoa is cooking, grab a skillet and heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté them until they’re tender—around 5 to 7 minutes. The colors will be so vibrant!
- Next, stir in the rinsed black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Let it all cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing those spices to infuse the veggies and beans.
- Finally, mix the cooked quinoa into the skillet and stir until everything is well combined. It’s a beautiful, hearty mixture!
- Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs before serving. It adds such a lovely touch!
And there you have it—a delicious, bariatric-friendly Thanksgiving main dish that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthy, satisfying main dish that fits perfectly into your bariatric Thanksgiving meal plan.
- Packed with protein and fiber from quinoa and black beans to keep you feeling full.
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.
- Colorful veggies add not just nutrition but also a feast for the eyes!
- Great for leftovers! It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy days.
- Versatile enough to pair with other Thanksgiving favorites or stand alone as a delicious dish.
Tips for Success
To really nail this dish, here are some of my favorite tips! First, feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal favorites—broccoli or spinach would be fantastic additions! If you like a little kick, don’t hesitate to add some diced jalapeños. For cooking the quinoa, keep an eye on it; it can go from perfect to mushy if left too long. Also, I recommend letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. And remember, garnishing right before serving brightens everything up—don’t skip it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious bariatric-friendly dish:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
These values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but rest assured, you’re in for a nutritious and satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common queries I hear about this recipe:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for quinoa?
If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can use brown rice or farro for a different texture while keeping it healthy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make for a quick lunch!
Can I add more protein?
Sure! Shredded chicken or turkey would be a great addition for those looking for extra protein in their bariatric Thanksgiving recipes.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is! This recipe is perfect for gluten-sensitive guests, making it a great option for your Thanksgiving table.
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete Thanksgiving meal, consider pairing this quinoa and black bean dish with some roasted Brussels sprouts or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. You might also include a light pumpkin soup for an extra touch of warmth. These options are not only bariatric-friendly but will add variety to your festive table!
Print
Bariatric Thanksgiving Recipes: 7 Satisfying Options
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Healthy and satisfying recipes for a bariatric-friendly Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped vegetables until tender.
- Add black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Mix in the cooked quinoa and stir until combined.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables based on your preference.
- Make ahead and reheat for convenience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bariatric thanksgiving recipes
