When we seek to lose weight or reduce the intake of simple carbohydrates in our diet, modifying the composition of our recipes is an alternative to consider. Carbohydrates (which we find in foods such as flour or different types of bread) are the main source of energy and leaving them aside on certain occasions can be tastier than we think. A popular option, and one that offers a thousand and one possibilities, is to replace carbohydrates with vegetables. A) Yes, You can enjoy a Friday night accompanied by a delicious pizza or a good plate of “pasta” without many regrets.
Cauliflower based pizza
Pizza lovers are in luck. This cauliflower-based pizza is a great bet for a low-carb diet and is very easy to prepare. First, we preheat the oven to 180ºC and prepare a tray with parchment paper, a silicone sheet or something similar. Then, cut the florets of the cauliflower until you get about 170-180 g. We wash and drain properly.
Second, we shred the cauliflower with a chopper or food processor, or use a fine cheese grater, until a fine grainy, couscous-like texture is left. On one side, we have a container at hand where we add the egg, flax seeds or ground almonds, salt, herbs to taste, granulated garlic, cheese and seasoning.
Third, we mix everything until we obtain a homogeneous, moist but malleable mass. At this point, we place the mixture on the tray with the help of a spatula or a large spoon, giving it a rounded or rectangular shape, leaving it as thin as possible so that its cooking is optimal. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown and dry to the touch.
Finally, we wait for its temperature to drop and cool down, then we add the topping. An example we like includes a dose of drained tomato sauce, turkey ham and mixed cheese gratin. When the ingredients are placed, Bake again until the edges are crisp. As a final touch, a dose of Provencal herbs.
Tips to replace carbohydrates in your diet
First, we know different tricks that can help us adapt our favorite dishes to lighter versions. The Directo al Paladar experts offer us various tips for easy application at home. Later, we present several recipes to put this new knowledge into practice today.
· According to the experts at Directo al Paladar, vegetables should occupy more than half of the surface of the plate. In this case, they would occupy 100% if we do something as simple as replace the typical white or brown rice with grilled vegetables. For example, to accompany a baked chicken dish, we can opt for a combination of wok vegetables instead of rice or potatoes.
· Spaghetti is always an easy option, but its caloric content is high. A) Yes, you can opt for those known as zucchini spaghetti. Although a priori it may seem somewhat boring, they give a lot of play in the kitchen and offer few calories and a very interesting flavor.
· If you feel that baked or steamed vegetables don’t fill you up enough, the raw version has several advantages: some nutrients are better used, they are more filling and they spread a lot. “Zucchini, squash, carrots, turnips, beets, cabbage, mushrooms or radishes and radishes are delicious raw, crunchy and refreshing. Cut into thin slices, grated or sticks, they are softer, and they also become more tender if we macerate them with salt -draining them later- or vinegar” we read in the gastronomy portal.
· Potato chips are the downfall of many of us. Its calorie content is very high, so substituting them is of great help to lose weight or reduce caloric intake. As a plan B, we can make some delicious baked vegetable chips at home. They will also fall in love with the little ones.
· Another option to replace French fries is to opt for baked sweet potato sticks with spices. Healthy, easy, nutritious and low in calories.
· Speaking of culinary perditions, pizzas are a classic in this category. To enjoy low-carb versions, nothing better than a base of cauliflower or pumpkin.
Cauliflower rice or ‘caulirroz’ with mushrooms
As we can see, cauliflower is a vegetable that is constantly repeated, and not only in pizza dough. Cauliflower rice or ‘caulirroz’ with mushrooms is a recipe full of aromas suitable for beginners in the kitchen. In addition, it is ideal to take in a tupperware to the office.
BRA Prior- Low Casserole with Glass Lid and Silicone Handles, Suitable for All Types of Cookers Including Induction and Oven, 28 cm
False cauliflower couscous with almonds and ras el hanout raisins
We continue with the cauliflower on a plate that will fall in love with lovers of Moroccan flavors. The false cauliflower couscous with almonds and raisins to the hanout. The Directo al Paladar experts point out that “it is a satiating but light dish that can be eaten as a simple lunch or as a side dish, both for meat and fish. The Moroccan spices have a spicy touch that would go very well with a yogurt sauce or a citrus touch”.
Tognana Art & Pepper Stoneware 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Multi
Socca pizza with chickpea flour
We return to the pizzas, but in mini format and leaving the cauliflower aside. With a high nutritional value, chickpeas are a great bet in our diet. Pizza socca with chickpea flour is a version of a typical Nice recipe that admits all the variations that come to mind. A little tomato, some vegetables, cheese to taste and good herbs are the best companions for this low-carbohydrate base.
amzdeal Pizza Stone and Shovel Set – Cordierite Oven Stone with Bamboo Shovel, Grill or Grill Tray, Pizza Stone Set for Chicken, Bread or Biscuit 30 * 38 * 1.5 CM
Lettuce Bud Tacos with Spicy Pork
Fans of Mexican food can also follow a low-carb diet. These Spicy Pork Lettuce Bud Tacos they are quite light, since they do not provide all the calories of fajitas. Delicious and very colorful.
Zucchini spaghetti with pesto and poached egg
Pasta is another of the highest calorie dishes that we can adapt with vegetables. The zucchini version has been very popular for years now, but these pesto zucchini spaghetti with poached egg deserve a special mention. On [Directo al Paladar]
(https://www.directoalpaladar.com/videos-recetas/espaguetis-de-zucchini-al-pesto-con-huevo-poche-receta-facil-y-rapida-con-video-included) defend that “they do not need side dishes. They are an excellent single dish served and are enough on their own to make a complete meal.”
Vegetable Cutter – Vegetable Grater 4 in 1 Vegetable Cutter, Zucchini Pasta, Manual Spiral Cutter, suitable for Carrots, Cucumbers, etc
Note: Some of the links posted here are affiliate links. Despite this, none of the items mentioned have been proposed by either the brands or the stores, their introduction being a unique decision of the editorial team.
Photographs | Direct to the Palate