As part of the CLEAN program (today is round 2, day 1), I have learned to experiment with several dishes to create something new.
As a background, I LOVE quesadillas. I am the quesadilla queen and could probably write a book about the different quesadillas of the world and rank them all.
However, pretty much the entire quesadilla (minus the chicken and guacamole) is entirely off the list of okay foods during the clean program.
So, I took the lentil dish recipe, and a recipe for brown rice quesadillas I found on the CLEAN forum, combined them, and viola! Lentil Chicken Quesadillas.
Here’s the recipe:
Lentil Chicken Quesadillas
1/2 cup lentils (rinsed and drained, I use red lentils for this recipe)
1/2 cup uncooked short grain brown rice
3 cups organic chicken broth
1/2 cup filtered water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg brown rice tortillasCombine the lentils, rice, broth, water, bay leaf and salt in a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce and simmer, partially covered, for 40-45 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the lentils and rice are tender. Discard bay leaf. Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute, stirring for 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Add onions to lentil mixture and stir. Boil chicken in water for approx 10 minutes until cooked through, dice, and add to lentil mixture. Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in pan, fill half with lentil mixture and fold over. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until browning, and then flip tortilla over and cook the quesadilla another 2-3 minutes until browning on the other side. Serve with fresh homemade guacamole.
Homemade Guacamole (CLEAN version)
2 medium avocados
½ tsp sea salt
½ lemon, juiced
black pepper to taste
¾ tsp onion powder
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/4 sweet Vidalia onion, choppedPeel avocados and remove pit. Place in large bowl. Mash avocados with a fork. Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, chopped onions, garlic and lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Note: if you are not on the CLEAN program, you could also add chopped tomatoes to the guacamole.
Enjoy this yummy recipe!! It has been one of my favorites and I find that I don’t even miss the absence of cheese much, since the quesadilla is so full of flavor!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
This post is part of Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS and Two for Tuesdays at girlichef and Pennywise Platter at Nourishing Gourmet and Vegetarian Foodie Fridays at Breastfeeding Moms Unite and Whole Foods for the Holidays
I love lentils and just about any recipe that uses them. This looks so good and hearty.
Bonnie recently posted..Garlics HereFall Is Just Around The Corner
Bonnie, I’m new to lentils (I know, what planet have I been on) and have fallen in love with them too. Cheap, healthy and good for you too!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
Lentils and guac are so satisfying, I’d love to try this. Thank you for linking up with Two for Tuesday.
Butterpoweredbike recently posted..Two for Tuesday Volume 11
Thanks! Let me know how you like it!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
OH! I love quesadillas, too…they’re so versatile. Lovin’ the lentils stuffed inside w/ all that other goodness! These sound delicious and super satisfying! Thanks so much for sharing them w/ Two for Tuesdays this week
girlichef recently posted..Yeasted Beer Bread
Thanks girlichef! And thanks for hosting! I know quesadillas are a favorite of mine. Yummy.
To your success,
Dr. Laura
Hi Dr. Laura and welcome to the two for tuesday recipe blog hop! I love when we get new linkers and I am now following your blog on twitter and RSS. Detoxing is quite a chore, so I am glad you found a way that works for you and your body! It looks like you have been able to figure out creative ways to keep your tastebuds happy and this is so key to long term success! Thanks for linking to the Two for Tuesday Recipe Blog Hop and please visit me to enter my giveaway of a Real Food for Rookies Class! http://bit.ly/dwfvMj
Alex@amoderatelife
alex@amoderatelife recently posted..Two for Tuesday Recipe Blog Hop-Volume 11
Thanks Alex!! Detoxing is a chore, for sure. That’s part of the reason I like the CLEAN program – it’s not so hard. It’s a gentle cleanse, rather than an all out attack on your body! And, I’ve been able to make creative substitutions to the recipes, like the lentil quesadilla, that has allowed me to still enjoy some favorites.
To your success,
Dr. Laura
My kids call lentils mush – but they love them! They would love this recipe – I will be trying it out! Thanks for linking this to Two for Tuesdays!
Christy recently posted..Beans Beans the Musical Fruit
Thanks Christy! Let me know how they like it. Wish my kids would eat it! We are still working on that.
To your success,
Dr. Laura
This sounds really tasty and a great way to add lentils to our diet. This might be Thursday’s dinner. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mom! Enjoy making it!
Laura
I need to try these some time soon!
Katie, let me know how they turn out for you! I just had them again for lunch today!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
I appreciate your linking this to Vegetarian Foodie Fridays. Obviously I would take out the chicken but the lentils are a nice touch. My kids love quesadillas.
Sorry Melodie! I accidentally linked to the wrong recipe. Meant to link to my Apple Pie Larabar Remake (which is completely vegetarian!!), but I’ll do that this week.
And, yes, this is yummy minus the chicken!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
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