Shirataki (Konjac) Noodles - Diabetic Gold :-)

Several people in my Facebook group My "Diabetic" Food (Recipes) had featured konjac noodles in a variety of dishes. Intrigued, I researched them and found out that these noodles are a perfect diabetic food/noodle as they have a glycemic index of zero! 

What follows is some in-depth information from Very Well Fit on these noodles, and at the end of this post I will share how I cook them. Enjoy!

Shirataki, or Konjac, noodles are an option for pasta if you follow a low-carbohydrate or gluten-free diet. While they don't mimic the exact taste and texture of regular pasta (they're gelatinous and mostly tasteless), they can take on the flavor of whatever sauce you're preparing. They also are a source of glucomannan fiber.

Shirataki noodles are made from a tuber of an Asian plant (Amorphophallus konjac) called a konjac plant, konjac yam, or elephant yam. The tubers are dried and ground to make flour. In Asia, this flour has been used for centuries to make noodles, tofu, and snacks, as well as traditional Chinese medicines.

Shirataki Noodles Nutrition Facts

The following nutrition information for 4 ounces of shirataki noodles (112g) is provided by the USDA.1

• Calories: 10
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Carbs

With very few carbs per serving (all of which are from fiber), shirataki noodles are an option for people who need to follow a low-carb diet but still want to eat pasta dishes. They contain a beneficial type of soluble fiber called glucomannan that isn't digested in the small intestine. With almost no usable carbohydrates, they don't cause blood sugar to rise and have a glycemic index of 0.

Fat

Shirataki noodles are naturally fat-free.

Protein

Shirataki noodles do not contain any protein, so you will need to get protein from other sources. Some manufacturers offer shirataki noodles made with tofu, which adds a little protein as well as carbohydrates.

Vitamins and Minerals

Other than a small amount of calcium (20 milligrams per 4-ounce serving), shirataki noodles do not provide micronutrients.

Calories

Shirataki noodles have 10 calories in a 4 ounce serving, all of which come from fiber based carbohydrates.

Health Benefits

Shirataki noodles have almost no calories, carbohydrates, fat, sugar, or protein. They are gluten-free and vegan. In general, any health benefits of shirataki noodles are due to the glucomannan fiber they contain. Fiber, in general, is known to help lower cholesterol, reduce appetite, and aid in weight loss.

Increases Satiety

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber that swells to many times its original volume when combined with water. It forms a gel-like mass in your digestive tract that might help you feel fuller after eating and could keep food in your stomach longer.

May Help Reduce Cholesterol

The soluble fiber in glucomannan noodles may help reduce cholesterol. Fiber is known to improve cholesterol levels, boosting heart health.

Keep in mind that most studies are conducted using glucomannan supplements rather than noodles. According to some research, glucomannan may have beneficial effects on cholesterol and triglycerides.

May Help with Weight Loss

Studies are inconclusive as to whether glucomannan has an effect on weight loss, with some reviews saying yes and others saying no.5 Similarly, there is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of glucomannan for treating constipation, particularly in children, as a 2017 review study reported.6

Allergies

No allergic reactions to shirataki noodles have been reported in the medical literature. Since they do not contain proteins, they are unlikely to be allergenic. However, if you have a soy allergy, avoid tofu shirataki noodle products.

Preparation:

Drain the package of shirataki noodles in a colander and rinse the noodles well for about 2 minutes under cold running water. They are packaged in a liquid that smells a tad fishy.

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the rinsed noodles to the boiling water, and let them boil/simmer for 2-3 minutes. Drain the noodles and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Transfer the noodles to an empty/dry non-stick skillet and heat them on medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes, tossing them frequently as they heat. Add a pinch of salt. Let them cook until they are completely dry. Set the noodles aside.

The noodles are now ready to be blended into any soup or stir fry of your choosing.

Here's the result of my first ever dish with Shirataki noodles. :-)

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Lemon Parmesan Barley

I think I've now established that barley has become my go-to grain, not only because of its low glycemic index but also because it matches my flavor pallet and cooking so well. I always look for new ways to use this grain, and recently I came across this little gem on Food.com that will pair quite well with any lemon oriented protein. Enjoy!

Barley is shown here paired with Chicken Gruyere

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup quick cooking barley
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

Combine the broth, oil and pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the barley, cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer ~12 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and stir in cheese, lemon zest and parsley.

Cover and let stand for 5 minutes... then fluff with fork and serve.

Barley is shown here paired with Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

The barley also pairs well with Lemon Caper Snapper

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Lemony Two Bean Medley

This side dish was created during a rainy period where I spent days in the kitchen to keep from going insane. :-) Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pkg frozen baby lima beans
• 15 oz cannellini beans, drained
• 2-3 cloves garlic – smash minced
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup julienned carrots ~1.5” long
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Florida Sunshine Citrus salt blend – Spice & Tea Exchange
• Citrus Pepper - FreshJax

Preparation:

Cook lima beans according to pkg directions and set aside. Saute onion and garlic until onions are just translucent. Add carrots and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add lemon zest and blend. Season mix with citrus salt and citrus pepper to taste. Finally add lima and cannellini beans and gently blend until evenly heated.

Blessed be… and happy cooking!

Roasted Asparagus & Bell Pepper

 Credit goes to Chef Robert Lewis at happydiabetic.com

Roasted asparagus in the oven is one of the easiest ways to prepare asparagus. Just coat them with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and maybe a little minced garlic, and roast them until lightly browned and tender.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of asparagus
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic -chopped
• 2-3 tbsp thin red bell pepper slivers
• salt & pepper to taste
• lemon juice for drizzle

Preparation:

First, wash the asparagus in cold water and trim away the lower 1/4 of the stalk. Toss the asparagus in a large bowl with 1 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp chopped garlic. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to your tasting. 

Roast at 425°F on a foil-covered baking sheet until stalks are soft and the skin is slightly crispy. Turn the stalks at 10 minutes of roasting time, add the bell pepper and roast another 8-10 minutes.

Cutting thin strips of bell pepper to roast on top of the asparagus will offer a feast of flavor for your pallet and a feast of color for your eyes! Top your cooked asparagus with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice. Serve with something like my Garlic Butter Baked Cod.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet

Credit for this adapted dish goes to Kitty at Kitchenra.com.

I have to admit I was surprised at the flavor pallet of this dish... earthy yet quite light. Given a lack of real protein in this vegetarian composition I would consider this to be more of a side than a main course. It can easily be turned into a full protein entree by adding either ground beef or chicken. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms - your choice - sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Steam or blanch the cauliflower florets for 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they release their moisture and start to brown. Season the mushrooms with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the herbs evenly. Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Add the steamed cauliflower florets to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to absorb the flavors.

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serve hot as a side dish or a light main course. It’s a healthy and satisfying option for a win-win meal. 

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Brussels Sprouts Almondine

I love Brussels Sprouts! They are not only interesting in flavor as well as texture, but they are quite nutritious as well, featuring some serious health benefits along the way. They are high in  vitamins/minerals such as K and C. Their high fiber content can help maintain blood sugar levels, and their high level of antioxidants can help to neutralize the free radicals that can promote inflammation. This tasty side dish also features almonds, providing even more healthy nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 20-24 fresh Brussels Sprouts
• 2 tbsp (heaping) sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• kosher salt to taste

Preparation:

Cut off the bottom of each sprout and remove the very outer layer of leaves. Boil the sprouts in water for about 6 minutes or until just tender. You want them firm as they will get seared later on. Once cooked, drain and set aside on a plate to cool.

Place the almonds in a small pan over medium heat. Using two spatulas, toss them frequently as they brown. Once you achieve the color you like, remove them from heat and transfer to a cold dish so they don't continue to brown.

Heat a large skillet on medium high and add the olive oil. While the pan is warming,

cut the cooled sprouts in half and then add them to the pan cut side down.

Check the sprouts frequently and when the undersides are browned

to your liking, add some kosher salt and the roasted almonds.

Toss to blend flavors and serve with your choice of protein.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

White Bean Salad - Signature Collection

This fresh and bright white bean salad is another example of a restaurant cook not willing to share a recipe back in 2013. After finishing the bacon wrapped scallops that included this tasty treat I could not stop thinking about it all through dinner. Instead of dessert I ordered a second appetizer and we deconstructed right there at the table.

What follows is my version of a white bean salad inspired by the chef at S&P Oyster Company in Mystic Seaport, CT. I hope you enjoy this as much as Carolyn and I do. :-)

I never did write up the recipe back then, but fortunately I was smart enough to take a group shot of the ingredients I used, so that gave me a place to start.

After studying the old pic it was time to get to work cutting up the ingredients using sizes best I could see in the decade old images and guessing at quantities.

This looked like a pretty good balance so I just put it all together, taking really bad notes along the way. LOL Hey... creativity is not always pretty! :-)

Now that I had my salad it was time to create a proper dressing. I could see from the old picture that lime juice was included, so I immediately went to my Luscious Lemon Vinaigrette recipe for guidance. Trial and error came up with this mix.

My mix really brought it all together to create a fresh, vibrant, flavorful salad than can actually stand alone. And finally, here is the ingredient list I can call my own... Enjoy!

Salad Ingredients:

• +/-3 cups baby spinach - should yield 1.5 cups chopped
• 2 15oz cans white beans - drained and rinsed
• 1 orange bell pepper - diced
• 1 shallot - minced
• 2 medium tomatoes - seeded and then diced
• 1/2 English cucumber - peeled, quartered, seeded and diced - should yield 1 cup

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/8 fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 tsp table salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Blessed be... and happy cooking!