High-Protein • Low-Starch • Elegant & Balanced

🥣 10-Minute Creamy Shortcut Risotto

Ingredients:

  • 1 pouch of boil-in-bag brown or white rice

  • 1/4 cup diced onion or shallot

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Optional: a splash of almond milk or unsweetened coconut cream for creaminess

  • Optional: chopped herbs like parsley or thyme

Instructions:

  1. Cook rice according to package instructions (usually about 10 minutes).

  2. While rice cooks, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.

  3. Add cooked rice and broth to the pan, stirring to combine.

  4. Stir in Parmesan, optional milk, and herbs. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until creamy.

  5. Season to taste and keep warm.

🐚 Perfectly Seared Sea Scallops

Ingredients:

  • 6–8 large sea scallops (dry-packed)

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil

  • Sea salt and black pepper

  • Optional: squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs

Instructions:

  1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  3. Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly translucent in the center.

  4. Remove from heat and rest for 1 minute before serving.

🥦 Microwave Steamed Asparagus

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or a small pat of butter (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: lemon zest or grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place trimmed asparagus in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or cover with a microwave-safe plate.

  2. Add 1 tablespoon water and microwave on high for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

  3. Carefully remove the lid to avoid steam burn and drain any excess water.

  4. Drizzle with olive oil or add a pat of butter, then season with salt and pepper.

  5. Garnish with lemon zest or Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

👨‍🍳 Assembly Tips:

  • Begin with the rice, then sear the scallops while the risotto simmers.

  • Steam the asparagus in the microwave while finishing the scallops.

  • Plate together for a balanced, high-protein, low-starch meal—ready in under 30 minutes.

Shortcut risotto inspired by renowned celebrity Chef Marc Cummings.