There’s no better time to get together with your family and friends than in the holidays. More often than not, these precious memories are made over delicious meals. Yet, for those who have different dietary requirements, it can be difficult to accommodate the menu to meet their needs.
Here are some healthy keto-friendly recipes that’ll surely impress anyone at your next holiday gathering.
Cauliflower Mash
This is an easy substitute for mashed potatoes, a classic holiday staple in any household—a filling and delicious side dish that goes with every meal.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including prep time)
Servings: 3 people
Ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup of milk (use almond milk for vegan option)
- 2-3 stems of thyme
- 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of kosher salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- Parmesan cheese to taste
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
2. Chop the cauliflower into smaller chunks (including the stem) and place them on a baking tray together with the garlic cloves. Drizzle the olive oil and seasonings over the top and roast for 20 minutes or until golden.
3. Remove the baking tray from the oven and place the contents in a food processor together with the milk and optional parmesan.
Once blended to a creamy consistency (resembling that of mashed potatoes), it’s ready to be served.
Lemon Chicken Roast
No holiday is complete without a roast chicken. Living on a keto diet shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your meals. This recipe gives your holiday chicken a new flavor and a keto-friendly edge.
4. Cooking time: 2 hours (including prep time)
Serves: Between 4 and 6 people
(The number of people that’ll be able to enjoy this meal with you will depend entirely on the size of your chicken)
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 large carrots
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 2 medium-sized lemons
- ½ cup of white cooking wine
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 3 stems of fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp of chicken stock
- ¾ of warm water
- 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp of kosher salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- Capers (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat the over to 410°F
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry (optional)
3. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil, making sure that it’s evenly spread, including all the crevices
4. Let the meat rest in the marinade for about 20-30 minutes while you chop the vegetables.
5. Mix together the wine and chicken broth and pour over the chicken that’s now in the roasting pan
6. Cover the bird in aluminum foil and cook for half an hour before adding the chopped vegetables and capers (optional). Don’t forget to place the thinly sliced lemon rounds on top of the chicken.
7. Roast for approximately another hour and a half, making sure to stir the vegetables and check that the chicken is becoming golden and cooking evenly.
Apple Crumble
Who doesn’t have room for dessert? Why not give your guests a delicious low-carb apple crumble this holiday that’ll be the talk of the season. Not only will it satisfy any sugar craving, but it’ll do so in a healthy way.
Cooking time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the apple filling
- 6 green apples
- ¾ cup of water
- 4-6 cloves
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
For the crumble topping
- ½ cup of almond flour
- ½ cup of granulated sugar substitute
- ½ cup of desiccated coconut
- ¼ cup of chopped almonds
- 2 tbs of coconut oil
- A pinch of salt
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Wash and peel the apples into thick slices
3. Place the chopped fruit in a saucepan together with the water, cloves, and vanilla extract over low-head and cook until they’re tender.
4. Once the apples are ready, remove the cloves.
5. Lightly grease the baking tray and add the now-cooked apples.
6. In a mixing bowl, add the ingredients for the crumble topping and mix until it’s got a crumbly consistency.
7. Evenly spread the crumble over the apple mixture and bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy
Although holidays are all about food, love, and spending time with your friends and family, it can also become overwhelming and stressful. Try your best to find a balance when it comes to the food you serve or bring to the gatherings.
Some say that the more fun you have while cooking, the better your food will taste. So put on some of your favorite holiday music while you cook your new recipes and enjoy the experience.
