Fat Free Recipes - Main Dishes

Fat free recipes are an excellent way to help you lower your cholesterol, lose a few pounds , and just feel great. Here are two easy, fat free recipes for main dishes. Both can be used in a vegetarian diet.

Fat Free Asparagus Risotto Recipe

2 & ½ cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 large clove garlic - minced
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3/4 cup short grain rice (risotto)
1 pound fresh asparagus - cut into 1 inch pieces and steamed until tender

In a sauce pan, bring broth to a boil. Reduce heat and let broth simmer. In a skillet, saute garlic and onions in small amount of water until onions turn soft. Add rice and lemon zest to skillet, stir until well mixed. Add one cup broth to rice mixture. Cook uncovered over low heat until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Repeat with second cup of broth. Finally, add remaining ½ cup broth and continue to cook over low heat. When all the broth is absorbed, rice should be done. Add steamed asparagus to risotto and stir gently to combine. Season with some salt and black pepper to taste. Makes 4 servings.

Fat Free Red Beans and Rice Recipe

1 pound dry red beans, rinsed
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
5 cups cooked rice
hot sauce (optional)

Soak beans overnight according to directions on package, do not drain. Add beans and liquid to large stock pot. Stir in remaining ingredients, except the rice. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 - 3 hours. Remove from heat when beans are soft. Liquid will be thick. Serve over cooked rice with hot sauce to taste. 8 servings.

Many traditional recipes can be converted to fat free recipes. You just need to omit the oil and butter that is often used for sauteing. Substitute water or broth for the fat and you have new fat free recipes.