How to make this recipe more healthy?

SaberEsPoder
SaberEsPoder Posts: 130 Member
in Recipes
I would LOVE to cook some fresh pasties, especially since I don't live in Michigan any more...but is there a way to make this recipe more healthy?

http://m.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/michigan-pasty-meat-hand-pie.html

Specifically, I want to rework the crust...I could make the flour half whole-wheat and half regular, but what about that CUP of lard/shortening? I haven't been cooking long and so I'm not sure how to make substitutions yet.

Replies

  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    My general rule of thumb is to use as little fat/oil as possible, and add add many veggies as possible. Try using 1/2 the amount of fat, and see how it tastes. If its ok, then try using even less. Maybe start with only half a recipe, until you adjust it to your liking.
  • wordena
    wordena Posts: 177 Member
    Baking is very much a science. I think if you alter the crust recipe it will change it for the negative. Instead of altering your crust recipe, being a Michigan native I understand the pasties love, make your pasties smaller. No one needs a pastie the size of a football. Make your pasties smaller to cut calories. And cook up some extra stuffing to have on the side if you want more. And add some steamed veggies on the side. I also might use vegetarian meat crumbles as a low calorie alternative to the beef. But I understand for some that might be unthinkable.
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    maybe you can find a premade crust that is healthier?

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-recipes/art-20047195
    http://frugalliving.about.com/od/makeyourowningredients/r/Shortening-Substitute.htm

    http://baking911.com/learn/ingredients/fats/solid <<<Wouldn't an organic vegetable shortening free of hydrogenated oils be terrific? Browsing through my local health food the other day, I was delighted to see just such a product from Spectrum Naturals, as well as organic margarine that is trans fat free. The shortening is also 100% Third Party Certified Organic, cholesterol free, contains less saturated fat than butter, and tests show that it is as good or better than leading national brands of shortening. You use organic vegetable shorting just like conventional shortening.
  • SaberEsPoder
    SaberEsPoder Posts: 130 Member
    Cyndi, thank you for the suggestion :)

    Wordena, I did wonder if the crust would change, so maybe I'll make it like the original first and then try some deviations after that.

    Knra, premade crusts that I've seen have SO MANY calories, harmful additives, and trans and other fats. I do really like those articles, and am very interested in that Spectrum shortening...I'll see if our Whole Foods has it.
  • HilsScott
    HilsScott Posts: 10
    Use pizza dough instead of pastry - http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/low-fat_minced_beef_and_34423

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