Cut the fat - how many times have you heard or read that?? This is the perfect place to share a few thoughts. Since fat is where all the calories usually are, it's the first thing we look at when selecting recipes to add to this site, or choosing those to be "Healthified". The fat is why fried chicken or a sirloin steak tastes so good. And yes, cutting fat is a great idea, but since fat carries flavor, how do you maintain or enhance flavor?
Without fat, foods can become bland. It's important to increase flavorings and/or seasonings to compensate for that lost fat. Please try these tips at home, but remember to TASTE as you add, and NOTE what you like and don't like.
- GRATE OR SHRED lemon, lime or orange peel and stir in to the dish.
- SQUEEZE fresh lemon juice over meat dishes, chilis and soups and veggies. Lime, grapefruit and orange work well, too.
- ADD high-flavored ingredients. Try Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic (fresh or roasted), gingerroot, chili peppers, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, olive tapenade, hoisin sauce or other full-flavored condiments.
- SPRINKLE fresh herbs into a dish just before serving to brighten flavors. Chop or coarsely chop.
- CRUSH dried herbs before adding, especially if they've been sitting on the shelf for awhile, which helps release the flavor.
- DOUBLE (or even triple) the amount of vanilla in baked foods. When I see comments like replace the fat in brownies with black beans or applesauce and using egg substitute in place of eggs, I have to ask, "but what else did you do?"
- TOAST nuts to enhance their flavor and you can use less, or brown a little butter to toss with veggies. Toasting herbs and spices in a dry pan before using also enhances flavors.
- SALT a little to bring out or enhance natural flavors
See "How can I Healthify my own recipes?" for more great ways to slim down recipes while maintaining flavor. Actually, as I eat more healthily, the less I enjoy really rich foods (or I've talked myself into thinking that). Most times now, just a tiny bite satisfies. But, I'm BIG on flavor and it's really fun to "play with your food" and bring out the best in lower fat dishes!
