Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year where people gather with their loved ones to celebrate and spend quality time with each other. As we all know, Christmas is also the season of indulging in delicious treats that often come with a few extra calories. However, there is no need to compromise on taste when it comes to healthy options that can be just as delicious. In this article, we bring you some healthy and delicious Christmas recipes that will leave your guests impressed.
Roast Turkey with Quinoa Stuffing
No Christmas feast is complete without a succulent turkey. For a healthier twist, try stuffing it with quinoa instead of bread. Quinoa is a protein-rich superfood that is gluten-free and low in fats.
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Mix the cooked quinoa with the carrots, celery, onions, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the turkey with the quinoa mixture and roast for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F.
Beet and Fennel Salad
For a refreshing and simple side dish, a beet and fennel salad is a great option. Beets are high in fiber and antioxidants while fennel has vitamin C and potassium.
Ingredients:
4 large beets
2 bulbs of fennel
1 cup of arugula
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Peel and slice the beets into thin rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
Trim and thinly slice the fennel bulbs and add them to the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 20-25 minutes until the beets are tender.
Mix the roasted beets and fennel with arugula and dress with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Who says Christmas cookies have to be loaded with sugar and butter? These gingerbread oatmeal cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies with a delicious spicy flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup spelt flour
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, mix the oats, spelt flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, maple syrup, coconut oil, and egg.
Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients to form a dough.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them onto a baking sheet.
Flatten the balls with a fork.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
In conclusion, it is possible to enjoy delicious food and stay healthy during the Christmas season. These recipes are a perfect balance between taste and nutrition and will leave your guests impressed. So why not try these recipes this holiday season and enjoy the celebrations guilt-free?