Persian Herb Frittata - Greens + Protein = Delicious & Nutritious

This dish, known as Kuku Sabzi or Persian Herb Frittata is one of my favorite dishes year round. If you are looking for a meal with protein and greens without cream and excess fat - this frittata is a great option. The dish is typically served during the Persian New Year but I break from tradition and make it often. It’s packed with greens, eggs, and sometimes I take liberty by adding ingredients to my taste. it’s so easy!

You’ll need a pan (8” to 10”) you can use stovetop and in the oven. I personally use Zwilling ceramic cookware. It’s moderately priced and versatile. The recipe is for two “frittatas” as my husband and I eat more than the average person.

Preheat your oven to 375.

Finely chop one “bunch” Italian Parsley, one “bunch” Dill, two “bunches” Scallions, if you like Cilantro ( I don’t) chop one bunch, and feel free to add other greens laying around. I always chop some spinach. You can eat the stems - don’t waste your time removing the stems. Set your chopped greens aside.

Whisk together a bakers dozen eggs with I tsp turmeric, 2 cloves minced garlic, salt and pepper. Sometimes I add smoked paprika and barberries (for a yummy tart flavor). When I want additional protein - and I get a lot of backlash for it - I’ll even whisk in 2 cups cottage cheese. Don’t tell anyone.

Whisk your greens into the egg mixture a little at a time and don’t worry, the mixture will be mostly greens and there won’t be excess egg. It’s like a coating of egg for the greens.

Place your cooking dish stovetop with what looks like 2 tbsp olive oil on medium heat. Add 1/2 of the mixture and “spatula spank” it until the mixture is even in the pan. Cook here until it seems the egg is evenly cooked along the sides and base of the pan. Bake in the over for 7-10 minutes or until the entire thing is firm. Remove from the oven, flip over, cut, serve, enjoy. I tend to eat this with baked chicken, salmon, or for breakfast the next day.

INGREDIENTS

• one bunch parsley

• one bunch dill

• one bunch cilantro

• two bunches scallions

• one bunch spinach (optional)

• 12 - 14 eggs

• 1 tbsp turmeric

• I tsp salt

• 1 tbsp fresh ground pepper

• 2 cloves chopped garlic

• olive oil

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

• barberries

• sour cherries

• low-fat cottage cheese (don’t tell anyone)

REZA'S JUICY BITS - PROTEIN, CHERRIES + BERRIES - OH MY

Ever tire of your chalky vanilla protein shake or your fancy fifteen dollar juice from the local juice shop? It’s so easy to blend up your own at a fraction of the cost with ingredients you know! Here is one of my favorite blends. Adjust your portions according to taste! This shake also fills a sweet craving. It is really yummy and you’ll be shocked you haven’t made this before.

• 2 scoops vanilla protein

• 1 cup frozen organic blueberries

• 1 cup frozen tart cherries

• 1 package unsweetened frozen açaí

• 1/2 cup aloe juice

• A generous chunk of ginger

• Water as needed.

Blend this up until it is smooth and delicious.

\

Chia Seed Pudding

Do you ever tire of eating yogurt or an apple with almond butter as a “healthy” snack? Chia seen pudding is embarrassingly easy to make and if you prepare it a home you’ll save a shit ton of money, won’t eat unnecessary added foods, and you’ll use less plastic.

There are a lot of benefits to eating chia seeds. The little buggers are antioxidants, full of fiber, and have the miracle “omega - 3 fatty acids”. A potential side effect is that the seeds can potentially get stuck in your teeth. This shouldn’t create any long term issues as long as you brush your teeth.

CHIA SEED PUDDING

2 TBSP CHIA SEEDS. 1.5 CUPS ALMOND MILK. DONE.

You’ll need a few re-usable containers. I like WECK jars because they are cute.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

• 1.5 Cups Almond Milk

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

• Vanilla

• Cinnamon

• Honey

• Fruit

I find that 2 tbsp chia seeds to 1.5 cups liquid is a great ratio. This is where it gets tricky. Place 2 tbsp chia seeds in a container with 1.5 cups almond milk, stir, seal and pop it in the fridge. It’s a good idea to shake the container a few hours later. That’s it! Add optional ingredients just before eating!

NUTRITION INFORMATION FOR CHIA

• 130 Calories

• 7g Fat

• 10g Carbohydrate

• 4g Protein