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What’s for Dinner?

This is a question I hear every day at this time, usually from every single one of the 6 kids.   Truth be told, it drives me crazy, and I usually answer “FOOD!”

I think the hardest thing I find about trying to lose weight and feed a big family at the same time,  is to find meals that are:

  1. Low-fat/healthy
  2. Kid Friendly
  3. Frugal

We usually end up with 2 out of the 3 most days.   When we find something that incorporates all 3, we jump for joy!  LOL.  One such meal is Salsa Couscous Chicken.  We got the recipe from our friend Vicki.  It incorporates all 3 of our requirements, and it’s fricken awesome!

SALSA COUSCOUS CHICKEN ~ courtesy Canadian Gingers

 
INGREDIENTS
6 cups hot cooked couscous or rice
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped almonds
6 garlic cloves, minced
12 chicken thighs, skin removed
3 cups salsa
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2  teaspoon cumin
1 tsp teaspoon cinnamon
 
DIRECTIONS

 1. Cook couscous as directed on package.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add almonds; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from skillet; set aside.

3. Add garlic and chicken to skillet; cook 4 to 5 minutes until chicken is browned, turning once.

4. In small bowl, combine salsa and all remaining ingredients; mix well. Add to chicken. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in almonds. Serve over couscous.

We usually do not have the almonds with it but have in the past.  I plugged the ingredients into Spark People’s Recipe Calculator and here’s the breakdown (based on 1/2 cup couscous, 1 chicken thigh, and sauce – no almonds in this calculation)

  • Calories: 247.0
  • Total Fat: 5.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 57.3 mg
  • Sodium: 346.0 mg
  • Total Carbs: 32.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.9 g
  • Protein: 17.7 g

We usually add a veggie or have a salad with it to round it out.  The kids love it, the grown-ups love it.  It’s not terribly expensive either, especially if you buy the thighs with the skin on and take it off yourself.  And it’s low fat and good for you.

Have any tried and true recipes that fit all 3 of our criteria?  Do share!!

Category:

food glorious food, kid friendly meals, low-fat meals