Salisbury Steak

Who doesn't remember having Salisbury Steak as a kid?  Of course it probably wasn't healthy or homemade.  Guess what?  This is both!!  Granted it's not the sexiest dish to look at but boy does it hit the spot!  I adapted this recipe from a Weight Watchers recipe that I found a few years ago. It is husband, child and Mawmaw approved!

Salisbury Steak:
serves 6

1 1/2lbs 93% lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 piece of bread, torn into small pieces
1 can beef consommé, divided
1 can golden mushroom soup
2 egg whites
8oz mushrooms, sliced
2tsp cornstarch
1/2tsp black pepper
1T veg oil

Combine bread, beef, onion and egg whites in a large bowl.  Form into 6 equal sized oval patties.  Heat the oil in a large skillet over med-high heat.  Cook patties for 5 minutes on each side. Do in batches if necessary.  Remove the patties and put on a plate.  Put the mushrooms in the pan and saute for 2-3 minutes.  Add in the beef consommé except for 1 Tablespoon. Whisk to combine.  Place patties back in and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  Mix reserved 1T of consommé with the 2tsp of cornstarch.  Whisk into the gravy.  Bring to a boil, and cook for 1-2 minutes to thicken.

Cajun Sausage, Okra, and Tomato Sauté over Cheese Grits

Wow!  Howdy y'all! It's been a while.  I would not suggest going without internet at home for months on end. It's no fun!  Also, don't try to blog on an android phone that is also not a picnic... Trust me on that one! Well I've got a delicious, quick and healthy dinner for you!  I adapted it from a Weight Watchers Cookbook.  It is rich and decadent and hard to believe it only runs about 275 calories per serving... What?? Yeppers!!  So without further adieu, here's a recipe for your next dinner.

Cajun Sausage, Okra, and Tomato Sauté over Cheese Grits:

serves 8

2 (14 oz) packages Smoked Turkey Sausage, cut into 1-2" pieces

4 slices Center Cut Bacon

1 lg Onion, diced

3 Roma Tomatoes, Chopped

3c. Frozen Cut Okra, I used the whole 1lb bag

1TB Cajun Seasoning

3/4c Quick Cooking Grits

3c water

3/4c Reduced Fat Cheddar ( I like a cheddar and pepper jack mix)

2tsp Butter

1/4tsp garlic powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Fry the bacon in a large skillet until it is crispy, over med-low heat.  Drain on a paper towel lined plate, and crumble once cool.  In the bacon drippings over medium heat, sauté the sausage about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned, stirring often.  Add in the onion, tomatoes, okra and Cajun seasoning. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally and then cover and simmer for 18 minutes (stirring occasionally). 

While the okra mixture is simmering bring the 3c of water and the grits to a boil, season with a pinch of salt.  Once it is boiling, cover and reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  When the grits are thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, garlic powder and cheese until well combined.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  

After 18 minutes remove the lid from the okra sauté and let simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken.  

Serve  the sausage, okra mixture over the grits and top with the bacon crumbles.