Sloppy Joes

For healthy, lean and mean Sloppy Joes we start with lean ground turkey and top them off with 100% whole wheat buns.

1 pound lean ground turkey

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 cup ketchup

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp prepared mustard
1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

4 hamburger whole-wheat buns

 

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground turkey, onion, and green pepper. Cook until meat is browned, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks, then drain off excess drippings.

Stir in the brown sugar, cumin, vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste and mustard, and season with cloves and salt.

Simmer for 30 minutes on low.

Place a scoop of the mixture onto each bun and serve.

 

Zesty Red Bell Pepper Soup

 

4 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1 large onion, chopped

4 tbsp. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

3 tbsp. tomato paste

3 ½ cups vegetable stock or chicken broth

2 tsp. dried cilantro

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and ground black pepper  

Cilantro leaves to garnish

 

In a large saucepan, cook peppers and onion gently in the oil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the garlic, dried cilantro, paprika and tomato paste. Add in half the stock, bring to a boil.

Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Puree the mixture in a food processor or blender. Return to the pan; add the remaining stock for desired consistency, season with salt and pepper. 

Bring soup back to a boil, allow to heat through.

Garnish with cilantro leaves

 

Chef Andre Carthen a.k.a. the Fit Chef, is featured in Janet Jackson’s first book, NY Times #1 Best Seller “True You” where he contributed over 30 recipes for a healthy meal plan.

 

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