Friday, March 7, 2008

Tempeh Cacciatore (Full of fiber)

Meatless wonder! Tempeh has a meaty, nutty texture, and as a soy product, it helps protect the heart. Serve this on a bed of whole-grain spaghetti or brown rice.

Serves 4 (serving size: ¼ mixture)

  • 1 cup thinly sliced onion
  • ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 8 ounces tempeh, cubed
  • ⅓ cup vegetable broth
  • 2½ cups peeled and chopped tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup red wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dry thyme
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil

Sauté onion and green pepper in olive oil over low heat until onion is translucent. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, and tempeh. Cook another 5 minutes or so. Add vegetable broth, tomatoes, wine, bay leaf, soy sauce, thyme, oregano, and basil and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes stirring from time to time.

Servings of fruits and vegetables: 2 vegetables

Diabetes-beating phytonutrients: phytoestrogens, genistein, quercetin, glutathione, flavonols

Nutrition information: 250 calories, 15 grams protein, 12 grams total fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, no cholesterol, 21 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams dietary fiber, 140 milligrams sodium