Recipes Under 600 Calories

Cannellini Bean Stew

Cannellini Bean Stew

Cannellini Bean Stew

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 15- ounce cans cannellini or other white beans drained
  • 1 14.5- ounce can low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 carrots halved lengthwise and cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional
  • 1/4 cup 1 ounce grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, bring the beans, broth, garlic, bay leaf, and carrots to a boil.
  • Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  • Add the spinach, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and stir for 1 minute.
  • Spoon the stew into bowls. Drizzle with the oil. If desired, add some vinegar or Parmesan.

Stewy White Beans

Stewy White Beans

Stewy White Beans

Prep Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 small shallots finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 pound mustard greens or kale stems removed and leaves sliced into 1-inch strips
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 14.5- ounce can vegetable broth
  • 1 28- ounce can whole or diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 15- ounce can white beans drained
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and greens and cook, stirring frequently, until the greens begin to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, the brown sugar, bay leaf, red pepper, broth, and tomatoes and their juices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until the greens are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the beans and cook for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season with the salt, black pepper, and (if desired) the remaining lemon juice.

Turkey and Bean Chili

Turkey and Bean Chili

Turkey and Bean Chili

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey preferably dark meat
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper or 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 28- ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 2 15- ounce cans kidney beans rinsed
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • cilantro sprigs for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Add the turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and chili pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juices, beans, ½ cup water, 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve the chili with the sour cream and cilantro.

Spiced Shrimp With Beans

Spiced Shrimp With Beans

Spiced Shrimp With Beans

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
  • 1 shallot chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 15.5- ounce can white beans rinsed
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Place the couscous in a large bowl. Add 1 cup very hot tap water and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, shallot, coriander, paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and cook until the shrimp are opaque, 4 to 6 minutes; transfer to a plate.
  • Add the beans, vinegar, and ½ cup water to the skillet and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Serve with the shrimp and couscous. Top with the parsley.

Tuscan Bean Soup

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, leek, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.

Tuscan Bean Soup

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 leek white and light green parts only, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 large carrot cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
  • 2 stalks celery thinly sliced (1 cup)
  • 1 small zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 2 14- ounce cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 thin pork cutlets about 1/2 pound

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, leek, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
  • Add the carrot, celery, zucchini, cannellini beans, and chicken broth. Simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the pork with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • Shred the pork into pieces and stir into the soup.

Crispy Quinoa and Bean Cakes With Salad

A vegetarian-friendly alternative to standard grill fare, these patties are formed with quinoa, sweet potatoes, kale, and kidney beans.

Crispy Quinoa and Bean Cakes With Salad

Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Leftovers from Quinoa With Sweet Potatoes, Kale, and Pesto

  • 3 cups cooked quinoa
  • 3 cups cooked sweet potatoes and kale roughly chopped

Additional ingredients

  • 1 15.5- ounce can kidney beans rinsed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan about 2 ounces
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more if necessary
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 6 cups mixed greens about 4 ounces
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mash the beans with a fork. Add the quinoa, sweet potatoes and kale, eggs, Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and mix to combine. Dividing evenly, form the mixture into twelve 3-inch patties (about ½ cup each).
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. In batches, cook the patties until browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side (adding more oil if necessary).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the greens and tomatoes and toss to combine. Serve with the quinoa and bean patties.

Salmon with Warm Lentil Salad

A piquant dressing of red wine vinegar, mustard, red onion, parsley, and olive oil jazzes up the lentil and arugula salad.

Salmon with Warm Lentil Salad

Prep Time 30 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green lentils rinsed
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds skinless salmon fillet cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 bunch arugula torn (about 4 cups)
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges

Instructions
 

  • Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add the lentils and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the salmon with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until opaque throughout, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
  • In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, mustard, onion, parsley, remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
  • Add the lentils and arugula to the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Serve with the salmon and lemon wedges.

Slow-Cooker Curried Lentils with Chicken and Potatoes

Brighten up this rich, comforting meal by serving with yogurt, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Slow-Cooker Curried Lentils with Chicken and Potatoes

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 7 hrs 55 mins
Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups red lentils or yellow split peas
  • 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes about 2, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 3/4 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus lime wedges for serving
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves torn
  • naan bread toasted, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the lentils, potatoes, onion, garlic, curry powder, ginger, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the broth and chicken and turn to coat.
  • Cover and cook until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours (this will shorten total recipe time).
  • Fifteen minutes before serving, transfer the chicken to a medium bowl and, using 2 forks, shred the meat; return it to the slow cooker. Add the lime juice and stir to combine, adding more water if necessary to reach the desired consistency. Serve topped with the yogurt and cilantro, with the naan and lime wedges on the side.

Winter Lentil Soup

There’s loads of flavor in this hearty yet healthy soup stocked with leeks, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and kale.

Winter Lentil Soup

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 leeks white and light green parts, cut into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons
  • 1 28- ounce can whole tomatoes drained
  • 2 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 bunch kale thick stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 1/2 cup brown lentils
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 1 ounce; optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, for 5 minutes.
  • Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil. Stir in the sweet potatoes, kale, lentils, thyme, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Spoon into bowls and top with the Parmesan, if using.