Even in San Diego, it’s chilly in January. We know we are getting off gently when so many other spots are freezing. But, we’re cold by our standards. That’s why, this week, we are looking at some delicious southern recipes that are so warming and comforting when the days are short and the wind chilling!
Frequently southern food can be heavy in carbs, calories and fat. We wanted some foods that were lighter on our diet and blood sugar. These dishes have the comforting flavors but aren’t quite so carb-dense.
There is nothing more comforting or homey than meatloaf on a cold night. However, the breadcrumbs in most recipes can make it something to avoid for folks with blood sugar issues. This recipe omits the bread and puts the dish back on the menu! A serving has 283 calories, two grams of carbs and 24 grams of protein. Get the recipe.
The debate about regional barbeque flavors will rage until the end of time: is it smoked, or covered in tomato sauce? Is it sweet and molasses-coated? Is it slathered in mayo or sharp? We don’t believe there is any single right answer — we love them all. This is a slow cooker version of North Carolina’s vinegar and hot pepper. We think it’s heavenly. A serving only has 293 calories, 3.6 grams of carbs and 27.6 grams of protein! Get the recipe.
As much as we enjoy grits, we frequently skip them because of the high carb count. This recipe substitutes the grits for cauliflower. It’s quite high in calories. However, it is the main dish; you may be okay with that. You can also swap out the heavy cream for skim milk is you want to lower the calorie count — it works. Without changing the recipe, it works out to be 428 calories and 18.5 grams of carbs but the 6.5 grams of fiber in the dish to lower your net carbs. Get the recipe.
Collard greens are a classic and a great side dish to practically every main dish we can think of! However, traditional recipes for the greens can be unhealthy and heavy in carbs. That’s why we love this dish, it’s much healthier — and way, way faster than the traditional side! A serving has 98 calories, seven grams of carbs, four grams of fiber and three grams of protein. Get the recipe.
We’re the first to admit it: fried okra is delicious. However, batters can add carbs and the fat and calories of the dish negate okra’s health benefits — including helping blood sugar levels. But, we aren’t huge fans of the texture when it isn’t fried. It’s too squishy for us when it’s steamed. If you are like us, that’s a barrier. That’s why we like this dish. The roasted okra has the crispiness without the extra calories. Half a pound has 101 calories, 17 grams of carbs, seven grams of fiber and five grams of protein. Get the recipe.
We hope some of these dishes warm your kitchen soon! Enjoy home cooking while waiting for spring!
