Fried Chickpea and Arugula Pitas

Surprisingly good.

• 1 cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 5/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cucumber (about 8 ounces), sliced
• 6 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas, halved
• 2 (15-ounce) cans organic chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 cups loosely packed arugula
• 12 (1/4-inch-thick) tomato slices

Preparation

1.  Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine yogurt, mint, lime juice, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and garlic in a small bowl.
3.  Wrap pitas in foil; bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until warm.
4. Place chickpeas in a single layer on paper towels. Cover with additional paper towels; pat dry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chickpeas to pan; sauté 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy, stirring frequently. Remove chickpeas from pan using a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, and red pepper in a medium bowl; toss well to coat.
5. Combine remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add arugula; toss gently to coat. Add chickpea mixture; toss to coat.
6. Fill each pita half with about 2/3 cup chickpea mixture, cucumber slices, 1 tomato slice, and 2 tablespoons sauce. Serve immediately.

Adapted  from Cooking Light

Cheesy grits and mushroom saute

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 (4-ounce) packages mushroom blend, chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) package presliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• grits/polenta 
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes. Add herbs and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Stir in 1/3 cup broth, juice, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
2. Cook grits as desired. Stir in half of cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Divide polenta among 4 gratin dishes; top with remaining cheese. Broil 5 minutes. Top each serving with 1/2 cup mushrooms.

Adapted from Cooking Light