Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a high-protein cereal grain from South America. The tiny seeds have a fluffy, slightly crunchy texture and mild nutty-grassy taste when cooked. To remove any traces of the seeds' natural residue called saponin, rinse the quinoa well with cold water before cooking.
Pair the asparagus with potatoes and small cubes of ham or roast turkey. Blanch them separately so the green spears maintain their vibrant color and then saute the whole mixture together until crisp and browned. Top with over-easy eggs and sprinkle with fresh thyme. The eggs here are over-easy, but you can poach, soft-boil, or scramble them before setting them on the hash.
Fruit salad, often left to the folks at the supermarket, can achieve dressy status with fresh mint, a drizzle of lime juice, and honey. Rather than tossing this salad in a bowl, melons and berries are arranged on a platter and sprinkled with lime juice, honey, and fresh mint.
Yogurt cheese begins with plain yogurt, which is poured into a strainer lined with cheesecloth and refrigerated for a few hours or overnight. The yogurt releases some whey and turns into a tangy white spread. It forms the basis of this appetizer, which can also begin with unflavored Greek yogurt. Spoon it onto a dish, and beside it, set ripe avocado mashed with lemon juice, a rich element to balance the yogurt's sharpness. Then spoon a little salad of finely chopped tomato, bell pepper, black and green olives, and capers to offer fresh and slightly salty tastes.
Who needs meat? The cumin scented black bean filling is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. Round out the meal—and get a complete protein—by adding Mexican rice.
A combination of ground, crystallized, and fresh ginger gives these soft, chewy cookies their intense flavor.
Yield: Makes about 40
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
South Beach Diet - Phase Two
The fish stew uses fresh boneless cod simmered in a tomato and red wine broth. Chunks of potatoes help to give the stew some heft, while green olives, onions, and fresh herbs add depth. The meal begs for a loaf of crusty Italian bread.