I thought it's be fun for everyone to share their favorite low calorie recipes. You know, the one's you make over and over again because they are so yummy.
This is one of my favorites! The ingredients may not be easy for everyone to find, but if you like Korean food (or spicy food) it's well worth the trouble. Plus, it's super low calorie!
Spicy Kim Chi Soup Serves 4 (or 2 hungry people)
1t oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1" piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
4 green onions
1T low sodium soy sauce
1/2 block of extra-firm tofu cubed (the kind made with nigari is best)
4 cups of low sodium vegetable stock
1 cup kim chi (honestly the older and more pungent the better!)
1T Korean Chili powder (or less if you don't like it quite so spicy)
1 carrot, chopped
2 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (dried Chinese mushrooms are good too)
a few drops of Sesame oil (optional and not included in calorie counts)
In a large pot sautee garlic, onions, and ginger in oil until soft (approx. 2 minutes.) Add soy sauce and stir for 30 seconds. Add the tofu, stir, and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. If using the sesame oil drizzle on soup once in bowls.
Per Serving:
117 calories
5 grams of fat
12 grams of carbohydrate
3 grams of fiber
8 grams of protein
I vary the vegetables depending on what I have in the fridge (bean sprouts, daikon radish, celery, & broccoli are all good.) I fill out the meal with brown rice, a salad, and sometimes a few potstickers.
The Korean chili powder can be found in most Asian markets. It looks like red instant coffee. The flakes are somewhat granular. If you can't find it, just omit it and use a spicier kim chi.

