FAST FIX

CHORIZO & GRITS BREAKFAST BOWLS

Growing up, I bonded with Dad over breakfasts of chorizo and eggs. My fresh take on the dish includes grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra flavor if desired.

—Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, CA


Start to Finish: 30 min. • Makes: 6 servings

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked chorizo chicken sausages or flavor of choice, sliced

1 large zucchini, chopped

3 cups water

3/4 cup quick-cooking grits

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

6 large eggs

Pico de gallo and chopped fresh cilantro, optional

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add zucchini; cook and stir 4-5 minutes longer or until tender. Remove from the pan; keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook grits, covered, about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans and cheese until blended. Remove from heat.

3. Wipe skillet clean; coat with cooking spray and place over medium heat. In batches, break eggs, one at a time, into pan. Immediately reduce heat to low; cook until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, about 5 minutes.

4. To serve, divide grits mixture among six bowls. Top with chorizo mixture, eggs and, if desired, pico de gallo and cilantro.

Note: Pulses like black beans are part of the legume family and a rich source of iron, which helps transport oxygen to muscles.

Per serving: 344 cal., 14g fat (5g sat. fat), 239mg chol., 636mg sod., 30g carb. (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g pro.

Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.