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Vegetables are a mainstay for side dishes on a healthy diet whether it is low carb, keto or any other diet. Vegetable dishes are integral to a healthy lifestyle.

Low Carb Pork Chops in Italian Peperonata (Stewed Bell Peppers)

Peperonata is a rustic Italian stew of sweet bell peppers long simmered into a tender melt-in-your-mouth sauce. It is often a side dish, or a topping for crusty bruschetta, but in this recipe it is a sauce that is used to flavor and tenderize pork chops. A common problem with pork chops is that they …

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Slow Carb Peperonata with a Side of Butternut Squash

Peperonata (peh-peh-roh-NAH-tah) is an Italian vegetable dish of slow-cooked, or stewed bell peppers with onion and garlic.  Of course there are variations and some Italian cooks will add tomatoes, eggplant, mushrooms, or other vegetables. This recipe heightens the flavor of peperonata with an Italian romesco sauce served over a creamy bed of butternut squash. Jump to:RECIPEWhat …

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Traditional Chile Rellenos (soft not crisp) in Egg Batter

The first time you make chile rellenos can be a bit intimidating from all the roasting, peeling, stuffing and frying. The next ten times you make them, because they were so wonderful, it will come together much easier. The key is to grab a friend or family member and enjoy the process. Just don’t rush …

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Rajas Con Crema: Poblanos in Cream Sauce for Quesadillas

This creamy Mexican comfort food can be used in quesadillas or just eaten on it’s own. There are always nuanced versions of classic regional dishes, but the poblanos and crema are key ingredients in all versions of this dish. This recipe is from the Bajío region of Mexico and it includes mushrooms, corn and chicken …

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Best (and Worst) Vegetables to Grow on a Budget

A vegetable garden can help keep your family’s grocery budget down, but which crops should you be growing? Let’s have a look at 14 cost-effective vegetables to get you the most bang for your buck (and 6 that will not). Gardening to save money is easy and fun. Jump to: Deciding Budget for Vegetable GardenVeggies …

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Best Low Carb Root Vegetables: + Root Veggie Ragu Recipe

Although root vegetables are generally higher in carbohydrates than other vegetable choices, if you choose the right ones, and roast them or sauté them without adding sugar or sauces, you can still get high-flavor (and healthy) comfort food without going over your daily carb count. This ”Ragù” recipe is a sauté of root vegetables on …

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Low Carb Stuffed Squash Blossoms without Frying

Stuffed squash blossoms are not hard to make! Here is the “how-to” on cleaning, storing, baking or frying stuffed blossoms. The recipe below is for baked blossoms stuffed with ricotta and Swiss chard (no frying). Enjoy! Jump to: RECIPEStuffing IngredientsHow to Clean & PrepHow to StorePan FryingBest BatterBaking or RoastingDips & SaucesMale vs Female Blossoms …

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Low Carb Sides: Asparagus with Eggs & Caper

While the macronutrients of protein and fat hold star status on low carb diets, the vegetable side dishes are often what make the meal more interesting and complete.  The asparagus recipe below is not only low carb, but offers a lot of protein from the egg garnish. And it’s quick and easy to boot! Jump …

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“Crispy” Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Caper Dipping Sauce

These are not deep-fried fritters, they’re more like potato pancakes, using shredded zucchini in place of the potato.  The best thing about this recipe is the tips for making zucchini fritters (or zucchini pancakes) crispy without having them fall apart in the pan. The recipe ingredients include fresh shredded zucchini, panko, parmesan cheese and herbs, accompanied …

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Red Bell Pepper & Eggplant Spread: Kosovar Ajvar

Ajvar is a red pepper eggplant spread popular in the Balkan region.  This recipe is a particularly robust version enhanced with a Peruvian hot spice. The video that accompanies the recipe also demonstrates a quick and easy way to roast and peel peppers. This is a perfect low carb spread and is fantastic with salmon …

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Low Carb Salmon Kebabs in Lemon Herb Marinade

These robustly flavored salmon skewers (or kebabs) are ready to eat in 30 minutes and can be cooked indoors for year-round enjoyment. If you keep the spicy, lemon-herbal marinade but change up the vegetables, you can have an easy low carb dish for any season. Jump to:RECIPETips for Cooking on SkewersBest Veggies for KebabsDipping Sauces …

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