Cinco, Cinco, Cinco De Mayo

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

I still haven’t decided what to do to celebrate this lovely occasion, but surely there will be some Mexican food to be had at some point. With that said, we all know that Mexican cuisine isn’t the most figure friendly food out there (especially when the dining experience involves unlimited tortilla chips). Well never fear because Lindsey from Self Magazine contacted me about featuring HEALTHY recipes perfect for Cinco De Mayo or really any day you’re craving a little Mexican.

Self gave me a list of recipes to choose from. With all my bean burger hype lately I thought I should definitely feature a healthy, Mexican inspired burger (portobello-black bean burgers with corn salsa) and I pretty much had to feature a guacamole recipe because, in my humble opinion, guacamole is simply the best Mexican food ever made. Below are some healthy recipes allowing you to celebrate in a nutritious, delicious way. Enjoy!

Portobello-Black Bean Burgers With Corn Salsa

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

Corn salsa

• 1 1/2 cups corn, fresh or frozen (thawed)
• 3 tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Burgers

• 1 package (10 oz) portobello mushrooms, wiped clean
• 1 1/4 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped green chiles
• 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray
• 2 whole-grain pitas, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced

PREPARATION

1. For corn salsa

Combine salsa ingredients and set aside.

2. For burgers

In a food processor, chop mushrooms into extra fine pieces. Add beans, chiles, Worcestershire, chili powder, salt, onion powder, breadcrumbs and egg; process until fully combined. Liberally coat a large nonstick pan with cooking spray. Form 4 patties, then gently place onto pan. Grill over medium heat 5 minutes per side, or until a crisp crust forms and the burger is heated through.

3. To assemble

Place each burger into a pita half with 1?4 of the salsa and avocado slices.

416 calories per serving, 11.2 g fat (1.7 g saturated), 65.6 g carbs, 16.8 g fiber, 18.9 g protein

http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2004/12/portobello-black-bean-burgers

Guacamole Con Frutas

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 avocado (preferably Hass), diced
• 1/2 tablespoon minced red onion
• 12 black or red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced peaches (or mangoes)
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Lightly mash avocado, onion and chile in a bowl. Mix in grapes and peaches. Add salt.
2. Garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serve with baked chip

113 calories per serving (with 10 chips), 6.9 g fat (1 g saturated), 3.9 g fiber, 14 g carbs, 1.7 g protein

http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2006/04/guacamole-con-frutas

Lastly, what would Cinco De Mayo be without a cool delicious beverage? Skip the margarita (which can often times have over 500 calories) and fill your cup with Sangria for a healthy mixture of antioxidants and fruit.

Springtime Sangria

Tagged as: Guacamole Con Frutas, portobello- black bean burgers with corn salsa, springtime sangria