Start Counting Those Calories…

So like pretty much every other human on the planet, I’ve made a resolution for the new year ahead. It’s time to start getting rid of the winter fat and get into shape again. Goals have been set and calories are being counted. The games have officially begun.

This quick and easy recipe is from WeightWatchers and incorporates a food I love:  polenta. I made a few modifications to the original recipe, just to suit my taste, but the result was yummy. The thought never occurred to me that I could pour something over my polenta…but there it is! And it’s good!

Mexican Beef Over Polenta

Mexican Beef Over Polenta
courtesy of Weightwatchers.ca

• 1 pound uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat) (you can probably use turkey or chicken for even lower fat)
• 1 small onion(s), chopped
• 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, with chiles, drained, reserve 1 Tbsp of liquid (I just used regular diced tomatoes without chiles)
• 1 cup canned yellow corn, drained, or frozen, thawed corn kernels
• 10 items olive(s), Kalamata, sliced
• 2 Tbsp canned jalapeño peppers, pickled, chopped (optional)
• 3/4 Tbsp table salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup polenta, quick-cooking
• 3 cup canned chicken broth (I opted for water)
• 1/3 cup salsa
• 1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese (Didn’t add this)
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, or scallion, fresh, chopped (optional)

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef and onion, stirring frequently, until meat is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes; drain off any liquid. Stir in tomatoes and reserved liquid, corn, olives, jalapeños (if using), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, cumin and pepper; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavours to blend.

Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine cornmeal, broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt; stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until cornmeal is thick, about 5 minutes.

Spoon polenta onto a large serving plate and top with beef mixture. Top with salsa, cheese and cilantro (or scallion). Divide into 6 portions and serve.

For all you point counters out there, this amounts to 7 points.

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