Good Daniel Fast Recipes

This month our church has been on a 21-day fast. Aaron and I have chosen to do the Daniel Fast (fruits and veggies only, no bread, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol, no chemicals. Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, and soy products are allowed. Read the ingredients on everything).

Last year I found a cookbook which turned out to be not so great. I'm not sure you should "enjoy" your fast, but this time I have found much better recipes. Most of these recipes are from other sources and some were discovered. They can help you if you are fasting or if you just want to start your new year eating healthy.

Of course it has been a sacrifice, but we've enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share them with you. I am going to post the recipe as is and you can make the necessary changes if you are doing the Daniel Fast.

Huevos Rancheros

Serves 4

1 (16 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, with juice

1 (16 oz) can black beans

1/2 small red onion, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

8 eggs

1 tbsp chopped chipotle (you may not want to add this if you have little ones)

1 pinch ground cumin

8 whole wheat tortillas

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Juice of 1 lime

1 clove garlic, chopped

Homemade Salsa:

Combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle, cilantro, and half of the lime juice in a food processor and pulse until well blended but still slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper.

Black Beans:

Mix the black beans, cumin, and the rest of the lime juice in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Mash the beans, adding a splash of warm water if too dry.

Coat a large nonstick skillet or saute pan with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Break the eggs into the skillet; cook until the whites have set but the yolks are still loose and runny.

On a separate burner, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the tortillas, 1 at a time; cook 1 minute on each side, until lightly toasted. I like to cut mine in half before I toast it, top it, and eat it like a pizza. It's easier for the kids to handle as well.

To assemble the dish, spread the tortillas with the beans (or guacamole if you are not a bean fan. I like the Wholly Guacamole brand. It comes in 100 calorie snack packs), top with the eggs, and then the salsa. Garnish with cilantro if you like and serve immediately.

For the fast, we topped the tortillas with the salsa and black beans. It is a great breakfast and very filling. You can also cut up some fresh fruit for a side.