Lotus Root Stir Fry

This month, our feature food is the lotus root. Lotus root is common in Asian cuisine. Look for it in Asian or Indian markets.

Time: 40 minutes

• 2-3 lotus root
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• 3 large green onions
• 1 Tbsp diced ginger
• garlic powder to taste
• 2 Tbsp tamari sauce

Peel and slice the lotus root into 1/4-inch thick disks. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay a single layer of the lotus root in the skillet and fry on each side for around 2 minutes, and then remove to a plate. Repeat until you have cooked all of your lotus root.

Add more coconut oil to the skillet, then stir fry the green onion and ginger until softened. Return all of the lotus root along with the garlic and tamari sauce. Reduce the heat and cover. Cook for around 10 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Nutritional info: 4 servings at 10g carb, 10g fat.



Mexican Pineapple Stir Fry

Time: 22 minutes

• 1 1/2 lb chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped leeks (or onion)
• 1/2 cup chopped bacon
• 1 each green, red, and orange bell peppers - stemmed, seeded, and sliced
• 1 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin

Brown the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. While it's cooking, add the leeks or onion. Sauté until the bacon has browned some and the leeks are soft.

Add the chopped chicken and brown on all sides. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook for around 10 minutes longer.

Nutritional info: 3 servings at 21g carb, 55g prot, 20g fat.



Tostones

Tostones are a side dish common in Central and South America. Some recipes call for mashing and frying twice, but I find it's much simpler and just as good keeping it simple.

Time: 15 minutes

• 2 green plantains (bananas can work in a pinch)
• coconut oil
• sea salt

Heat 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Peel and slice the plantains crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.

Sauté the plantains, turning, until browned some on both sides. Dust with sea salt.

Nutritional info: 4 servings at 26g carb, ~7g fat.


French Style Strawberries

Time: 10 minutes

• 1 lb organic strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• fresh ground black pepper

Simmer the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. You want it to get thick but still pourable. Allow it to cool.

Serve the strawberries in a bowl, and then drizzle them with the vinegar. Lightly add the pepper; then serve.

Nutritional info: 4 servings at 10g carb.


Nut Butter Delight

Here's a super simple and delicious way to add calories to your day if you are trying to gain weight. I'm not a big fan of nut butters, but they are likely fine if used in certain phases such as a mass gain stage.

Time: 3 minutes

• 2 Tbsp almond butter (or other nut butter)
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• dash of vanilla extract
optional:
• cinnamon
• 1-2 Tbsp raisins

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl; mash and mix well.

Nutritional info: 1 serving at 31g fat. (without raisins)