Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook for Low Sodium Diet

From the Publisher Naturally Flavorful Low-Sodium Recipes:

The slow cooker is the perfect tool for low-sodium recipes. Cooking food all in one pot using the low and slow method enhances the natural flavors, so a lot of salt is not needed. This low sodium cookbook focuses on how to get the most flavor from your ingredients and make meals your family will love. If you still need some extra flavor, you can use one of these homemade recipes for low-sodium seasoning: Fajita Blend, Cajun Blend, Italian Blend, Dry Ranch Dressing Mix, Dry Onion Soup Mix, Italian Vinaigrette, and Cilantro-Lime Dressing.

Sample Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 5 to 7 hours on low | Serves 6

Cilantro is the leafy part of the same herb from which we get coriander. The little coriander seeds are actually the fruit of the plant. Fresh coriander leaves have a bright, citrusy flavor that you can't get from parsley or any other leafy green herb. Because heat takes away the bright flavor, cilantro is usually added to a dish after it is cooked.

Instructions: 1. Spray the slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, rice, water, tomatoes and their juices, beans, corn, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to mix well. 3. Cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, or until the rice is tender. 4. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

Substitution Tip: To make this meal vegan, leave out the chicken and add 1/2 pound dry black beans that have been soaked overnight.

Ingredients: - Nonstick cooking spray - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs - 2 cups uncooked brown rice - 4 cups water - 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes - 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained and rinsed - 2 garlic cloves, minced - Juice of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

product information: