Pitt Nutrition Blog

Q:  I was hoping that you could suggest a few recipes that would be affordable for people living with  SNAP benefits . As a SNAP recipient, I receive roughly $4 per day to spend on food. I am looking for flavorful, satisfying meals that don’t require fancy kitchen equipment or excessive culinary techniques. Thanks! - Jordan (Pittsburgh) A:  Hi Jordan, thanks for your question! There are lots of barriers that can block us from nourishing our bodies and satisfying our appetites, but money doesn’t have to be one of them! Recognizing that eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures, author Leanne Brown published her novel  Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day . In her writing, Brown strove to celebrate the many meals available to those on strict budgets by creating recipes that use money carefully - without sacrificing flavor. Her readers learn how to shop smart, build their pantries, cook for a crowd, and resourcefully reinvent their leftovers. 1 Below I’ve hi...

Q: I’m new to plant-based cooking and was wondering how to best prepare tofu, or if it could be eaten raw. Also, could you suggest a recipe that features tofu? (Danielle, Coraopolis) A:  Thank you for your question! Truth be told, all types of tofu can be eaten raw but the soft and silken varieties are best when eaten right out of the package! Just drain off any excess packing liquid and you’re good to go! Invite your friends to try silken tofu as part of this bright and beautiful  Mango, Raspberry Smoothie Bowl . 1 If you’re looking to add both texture and flavor to your mixed dishes, then cooked tofu should do the trick! Try this foolproof recipe for tasty tofu every time! Step One: Drain it!  A waterlogged block of tofu won’t absorb a marinade or get crispy in a frying pan. Luckily, draining tofu couldn’t be easier! Place your tofu (the whole block or slices) on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Then, place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet or a te...