7 Cheap Low Carb Meals | Easy Keto Diet Dinner Ideas For The Week
Recipes in this Video
Ingredients
- ●4 medium zucchinis
- ●1 tablespoon olive oil
- ●1/2 teaspoon salt
- ●1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ●1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ●1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ●1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- ●1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1Wash the zucchinis and trim the ends.
- 2Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles (zoodles) from the zucchinis.
- 3In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 4Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- 5Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to combine.
- 6Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- 7Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- 8If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- 9Serve immediately as a light main dish or side.
Equipment
Cauliflower rice is a popular low-carb alternative to traditional rice, emerging as a staple in health-conscious diets. This dish allows for creative adaptations, often flavored with various spices and vegetables, making it versatile for different cuisines. Its rise in popularity reflects a broader trend towards vegetable-based meals, appealing to both vegetarians and those seeking to reduce carbohydrate intake.
Ingredients
- ●cauliflower
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●garlic
- ●onion
- ●carrot
- ●peas
- ●bell pepper
- ●green onion
- ●cilantro
- ●lime juice
- ●cumin
- ●paprika
Instructions
- 1Remove leaves and stem from cauliflower and cut into florets
- 2Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains
- 3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering
- 4Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes
- 5Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds
- 6Add riced cauliflower to the skillet and stir to combine
- 7Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika
- 8Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender
- 9Add diced carrot, peas, and bell pepper; cook for another 3-4 minutes
- 10Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro
- 11Garnish with sliced green onion before serving
Ingredient Alternatives
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Avocado oil is healthier with a higher smoke point.
peas
Healthier: edamame
Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables
Edamame provides more protein.
cilantro
Healthier: parsley
Cheaper: basil
Parsley is a common herb with a milder flavor.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Eggplant Lasagna, or Melanzane alla Parmigiana, hails from Southern Italy, where the abundance of fresh vegetables inspired hearty, layered dishes. Traditionally made with fried eggplant, this version is baked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It's a beloved comfort food, often served at family gatherings and festive occasions. Today, variations abound, with some opting for grilled or roasted eggplant, making it a versatile dish enjoyed around the world.
Ingredients
- ●eggplant
- ●ricotta cheese
- ●mozzarella cheese
- ●parmesan cheese
- ●marinara sauce
- ●olive oil
- ●garlic
- ●onion
- ●basil
- ●oregano
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●egg
- ●fresh parsley
- ●red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- 2Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 3Rinse eggplant slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- 4Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5Add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 6In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 7Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer eggplant slices, followed by ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with marinara and mozzarella on top.
- 8Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 9Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
ricotta cheese
Healthier: cottage cheese
Cheaper: cream cheese
Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories.
mozzarella cheese
Healthier: part-skim mozzarella
Cheaper: provolone cheese
Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while maintaining texture.
parmesan cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grana padano
Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds umami flavor.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is often less expensive than olive oil.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Stuffed bell peppers have roots in various cuisines, but they are particularly popular in Serbian households, where they are often filled with a mixture of meat and rice. This dish is a comforting family meal, showcasing the use of seasonal vegetables and hearty fillings. Today, variations can be found worldwide, with different fillings and spices reflecting local tastes.
Ingredients
- ●bell peppers
- ●ground beef
- ●rice
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●tomato sauce
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●olive oil
- ●cumin
- ●paprika
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●parsley
- ●beef broth
- ●corn
- ●black beans
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- 2Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- 3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- 5Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, corn, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 6Mix well and let the filling simmer for 5 minutes.
- 7Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it tightly.
- 8Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- 9Pour beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers.
- 10Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 11Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- 12Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Avocado salad is a popular dish in Cameroon, often enjoyed for its refreshing taste and nutritious ingredients. It reflects the country's love for fresh produce and is typically served as a side dish at gatherings and family meals. With the global rise in avocado's popularity, variations of this salad can now be found in many cuisines worldwide, often incorporating local ingredients and flavors.
Ingredients
- ●avocados
- ●tomatoes
- ●cucumbers
- ●red onion
- ●lime juice
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●coriander
- ●lettuce
Instructions
- 1Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
- 2Dice tomatoes and cucumbers, and add them to the bowl with avocados.
- 3Finely chop red onion and add to the mixture.
- 4Drizzle lime juice and olive oil over the salad.
- 5Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste.
- 6Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 7Garnish with chopped coriander and serve on a bed of lettuce.
Ingredient Alternatives
avocados
Healthier: mashed peas
Cheaper: cooked zucchini
Mashed peas offer a creamy texture with fewer calories.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: vegetable oil
Avocado oil provides similar health benefits and flavor.
red onion
Healthier: green onion
Cheaper: white onion
Green onion adds a milder flavor and is often less expensive.
lime juice
Healthier: lemon juice
Cheaper: vinegar
Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As