MAKE IT WITH SALSA!

Delicious, low fat recipes that are very quick, easy to make,
using salsa as a main ingredient

(Not just 

 for dipping!)

All of these recipes call for tomato based salsa that is already made.  You can make your own, or use your favorite ready made chunky salsa.  Mine is "chunky white corn and black bean salsa".   Use mild, medium or hot -- whatever you like.

For a printable version of each recipe please click on the name of the recipe.

NACHO CHEESE & SALSA DIP

1# Velveeta Light  (lower fat)
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 cup chunky salsa
Healthy low fat tortilla chips

1. Put salsa in medium pan.
2. Cut the Velveeta cheese in small chunks and add to pan, cooking and stirring constantly over medium low heat until the cheese is dissolved.
3. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and stir to mix it in.
4. Serve with your favorite healthy tortilla chips.  We prefer "Garden of Eatin" brand.

Double this recipe for a crowd, and make more than you will eat because you will want some left over to use in the delicious soup recipe below:

CREAMY SALSA-CHEESE-TOMATO SOUP

1 cup cheese salsa (above)
1 10 oz. can condensed tomato soup
10 oz. no fat half-n-half (or milk)

2 Tbsp. sherry wine (optional)
3/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
Chips or cornbread

1. In medium sauce pan, put tomato soup, wine and tomatoes.  Stir and simmer over medium high heat for 1 minute.  This evaporates the alcohol from the wine.
2. Add the cheese salsa and stir until it is dissolved.  Lower heat to medium.
3. Add the no fat half-n-half, condensed skim milk, or whatever milk you normally use.  Stir until it just starts to bubble.  Watch carefully so it does not start to burn on the bottom.
4. Serve with nacho chips or my Cornbread, and a salad on the side if you wish.  SERVES 2.

Above picture of soup bowl is from Waitrose.com recipes.  The recipe is my own creation.

VEGETARIAN BURRITO CASSEROLE

6 large whole wheat tortillas
1 16 oz. can no fat refried beans
8 oz Mexican cheese

1 large (26 oz.) jar chunky salsa
No fat or low fat sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1. Spray LARGE casserole or baking dish with cooking spray.  It will need to hold all 6 burritos after they are rolled up.
2. Divide the can of refried beans evenly among the 6 tortillas.  Then spread the beans evenly over each tortilla.  If you use white flour tortillas you won't get as good flavor, and you won't get quite as much protein value either.   Do NOT use the new low carb tortillas.  Most of them taste simply awful!
3. Either shred the cheese or cut it into strips about 1/8" x 1/8".  Distribute the cheese evenly on top of the beans.  Roll each tortilla into a "burrito".  You do not need to tuck in the ends for this recipe, though.
4. Put a thin layer of the salsa on the bottom of the casserole.  Then arrange the burrito rolls, seam side down, to fill the casserole.  They can be touching, but not crammed together, as they will expand while cooking.
5. Cover with a generous amount of the salsa, making sure that it goes between each roll and particularly that it covers the edges.
6. Cover with a lid or foil.  Bake at 350 degrees (moderate oven) for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.   They are easier to serve if you cut them in half lengthwise.  Top each serving with sour cream and finely chopped fresh cilantro (if you like cilantro).  SERVES 4, figuring 1 1/2 burrito rolls per person.

Above picture of burrito is from Taco Mesa, located in California, USA.  The recipe is my own creation.

BLACK BEANS

AND RICE

16 oz. can black beans, drained
1/2 cups cooked rice (preferably brown rice)

3/4 cup chunky salsa
1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

In non stick skillet, combine all ingredients and heat through, stirring to mix it well as it heats.  Add a bit more salsa if it looks too dry.   SERVES 3.

You can mix in a little no fat sour cream if you want, to make it more creamy....or put a dab of the sour cream on top or on the side of each serving -- whatever.   It's your tummy -- keep it happy and healthy!

Totally simple!  Totally good!  Add a tossed salad and a light dessert for a truly healthy and really quick meal.

ALSO SEE MY MEXICAN SHRIMP BISQUE RECIPE
AND
MORE REALLY GREAT FAST FOOD RECIPES.