I hope your new year is starting off well and is filled with joy! During 2014, I would like to reflect on all the fun adventures I went on, all the delicious food I cooked, and all the wonderful time I spent with amazing people. For 2015, I want to stay true to these three resolutions:
- Grow physically and mentally stronger
I love working on different muscles groups, gaining flexibility, and learning various exercises. My favorite parts are physically seeing my body get stronger and noticing how heavy objects feel lighter. There will never be a time in which I stop learning. Living means constantly gaining new experiences, new relationships, new visions, and new knowledge in general. Thus, to live is to grow stronger every day whether it may be learning to cook a new dish or running a faster mile. - Be aware of others' hardships and give a helping hand
Sometimes I am clouded with emotions that I forget to consider the feelings of others. This year, whether I am consumed with self-pity or zealous joy, I will become more considerate of others because what do I know of their situation? I will be more aware to put myself in another's shoes and give when I can give. - Work hard for what I love
When I am passionate about something, I will go for it! As the popular saying goes, "closed mouths don't get fed." Some of my goals for this year are studying nutrition & fitness, updating Ma Nutrition, improving my writing skills, and building a stronger mind & body.
This time of year is a great time to reflect and start fresh! Figure out what's important to you and make time for it. You can't rewind time, so don't waste it. Do what you love! <3
Alrighty, let's get started on today's 3-course menu! :)
No-Noodle Lasagna (featuring Zucchini) + Garlic Bread + Kielbasa
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time 1 hour
No-Noodle Lasagna ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchini, peeled and sliced + salt
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz tomato paste
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup wine
- 3 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 small handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed/squeezed/drained WELL (You want minimal moisture!)
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz shredded Monterey jack cheese
Garlic Bread Ingredients:
- 12 French bread slices
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning, for topping
- shredded cheese, for topping
Kielbasa Ingredients:
- 1 lb turkey sausage
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
Lasagna Directions:
- Slice peeled zucchini lengthwise into thin strips and sprinkle with enough salt to lightly coat all the strips. Place in a colander and set aside to drain. (The longer the better. If you can, prep this the night before. You want minimal moisture!)
- Meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook meat and black pepper over medium-high heat until light brown (about 5 minutes). Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, wine, and Italian seasoning. Cook until mixture is very dry (about 20-25 minutes).
- Ricotta mixture: At the same time the meat is cooking, mix egg, ricotta, and cilantro.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Assemble (from bottom to top): 1/2 meat mixture, 1/2 zucchini strips, 1/2 ricotta mixture, all the spinach, all the mushrooms, 1/2 mozzarella, remaining meat, remaining zucchini, remaining ricotta, remaining mozzarella, and all the Monterey Jack.
- Cover dish with foil and cook in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, raise temperature to 350F and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Garlic Bread Directions:
- While lasagna is cooking, top sliced bread (in the following order) with butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and cheese.
- Broil in oven until toasty brown! (~3-5 minutes)
Kielbasa Directions:
- Cook onions and garlic until they brown.
- Add sausage and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until sausage is browned.
- Add mustard and sugar and cook until everything is caramelized. (~5 minutes)
While your lasagna is in the oven, it should be enough time to make garlic bread and kielbasa! :) If you are unclear on any of these directions, check out my Ma Nutrition video below:
I hope you enjoyed my first Ma Nutrition video! Let me know in the comments what you liked, didn't like, and any other feedback you may have. I enjoy constructive criticism so that I can learn! :) Also, let me know what kinds of videos you would like me to make in the future!
What would you like to see more of on Ma Nutrition in 2015?
Peace & love! <3 :)
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