For those of you that know me, you know that I'm always trying to eat healthy whenever I can. I don't always do but I try. Recently I have really been trying really extra hard. Nevertheless, I always manage to slip up because let's face it - healthy food tastes like crap.
When I mean healthy I mean a modified version of the Paleo Diet. I try not to eat processed foods which basically means anything man made. No sugar. And I try not to eat grain because it contains an evil protein called gluten that does some nasty things to your body. This means I can't eat bread and that really limits the meals I can have.
Basically I try and eat like a caveman. But like I said - this is not an easy thing to stick to. Especially since I'm not supposed to drink beer.
Through my efforts I have discovered that grass-fed beef is insanely good for you. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods you can shove down your mouth. Grass-fed beef is exactly what you think it is - cow that eats grass. All other cattle are fed grains unless otherwise specified. And no, "natural diet" does not mean grass-fed.
Right now most of my meals consist of some kind of grass-fed meat - whether it is steak or ground beef. I'll also have some chicken once in awhile and I wish I liked fish. So you can see I am pretty limited variety wise here and although eating steak is delicious - it does get a little tiresome after awhile.
This has forced me to get creative with the things I cook. But finally, through many months of experimentation, I have created a dish that not only is really healthy but is extremely tasty as well. It can be done!
I call it "Ryan's Bad Ass Bowl of Beef". (Hmmmm there is a joke in there somewhere)
It's a variation of a picadillo meal I learned how to cook in high school - and it is super easy to make.
Here is what you will need:
* 2 lbs Grass-fed ground beef
* A jar of Boscoli Family Jalapeno Olive Salad
* An onion (I just use a bag of frozen onions)
And that's it. I told you it was easy. I purchased all of these items at Whole Foods.
1. First start off by putting a little bit of olive oil in a pan and start browning the ground beef on medium heat.
2. While you are letting the ground beef brown it's time to work on the onions. Get another pan, throw some olive oil in it and turn it up to high.
3. When the oil starts smoking throw in the onions. (Be careful of the oil that might splatter once the onions hit the hot pan.)
4. Caramelize the onions by cooking them until they are a nice light golden brown color. (You will know when they are almost done when all the water from them has evaporated and they start sticking a little to the pan.)
5. Once the ground beef is a nice brown color - turn down the heat and add the onions.
6. Next add from anywhere 4 - 7 tablespoons of the jalapeno olive salad (I add a lot. I really love that stuff) to the ground beef.
7. Stir it up a little bit and you are done.
And Viola. You now have a great tasting meal that is actually good for you.
Damn I'm hungry.
- Ryan
