It’s Crunch Time!

Following on from my recent post about low-carb bread, I had an influx of queries about bread-like alternatives with some crunch. Well crispy lettuce leaves make a great crunchy coating to roll up a filling to make a bread-free wrap but one or two wanted something seriously crispy… a base that they could layer on a filling or load with a topping for a main meal dish, snack or sweetish treat. I thought back to my pre-op days and remembered how much I enjoyed rice cakes for precisely this reason and wondered if they could be bariatric-friendly enough to fit the bill.

Well the good news is that from tasting and testing a good many of them I haven’t (and nor have my bariatric testers) had any problems with digesting them. Even the rice-avoiders found them OK since the rice has been puffed already and so doesn’t swell in your stomach in the same way as regular cooked rice. I can’t promise (and wouldn’t vouch) that this would be everyone’s experience, but they might be worth a visit if you hanker after that crunchy fix come mealtime.

I was surprised however at the range now on offer. I used to just settle for the regular rice cakes but now you can get them in a corn variety too. The rice variety also comes seeded, seasoned with salt and balsamic vinegar, perked up with chilli, coated with just a smear of dark chocolate, flavoured with cheese and chive, or sweetened with blueberry and vanilla.

This called for a testing session in the bariatric test kitchen and a tasting session to bring you the following ideas:

TANGY SALSA AND GLORIOUS GUACAMOLE CHILLI RICE CAKES

Why not whip up this tangy salsa or glorious guacamole the night before work for some dreamy desktop dipping at the office? Truly delicious!

For the salsa: Finely chop 5 large seeded tomatoes and mix with 1/2 finely chopped red onion, small bunch chopped coriander/cilantro, the zest and juice of 1 lime and salt and pepper to taste.

For the guacamole: Scoop out the flesh from 1 ripe avocado into a bowl. Add 1 large finely chopped tomato, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, small bunch chopped coriander/cilantro, the zest and juice of 1 lime and salt and pepper to taste. Mash with the back of a fork until well mixed but still a little chunky.

Serve both with Kallo Chilli Rice Cakes.

SERVES: 2-4

WLS PORTION: 1/2

V suitable for Vegetarians

KING PRAWNS WITH CHILLI CREME FRAICHE ON SESAME SEED RICE CAKES

Here’s a fabulously fishy topping to serve with sesame seed rice cakes for decadent snacking or a lunchtime treat!

Mix 1 tsp chopped red chilli with the zest of a lime, a small bunch chopped coriander/cilantro and 150g/5 oz low or reduced fat crème fraiche (or fat-free Greek yogurt if you prefer). Season to taste with salt and pepper and pile onto about 3 Kallo Sesame Seed Rice Cakes. Top with 150g/5 oz cooked king prawns/jumbo shrimp and sprinkle with a few toasted sesame seeds to garnish.

MAKES 3 loaded rice cakes

WLS PORTION: 1 loaded rice cake

CLASSIC CORONATION CHICKEN RICE CAKES

Coronation chicken is quite the classic and works just as well on a rice cake as it does in a sandwich or as a buffet salad offering – especially with some rocket and a sprinkle of ground black pepper.

For the Coronation Chicken mix 2 tbsp extra light mayonnaise with 2 tbsp fat-free Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mango chutney, 1/2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp lime zest, 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 250g/11/4 cups chopped cooked chicken and toss in the mixture until well coated. To serve, layer 3 Kallo Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Rice Cakes with rocket leaves then top with a generous quantity of the prepared Coronation Chicken mixture. Top with a few toasted flaked almonds if liked.

MAKES 3 loaded rice cakes

WLS PORTION 1 loaded rice cake

CREAM CHEESE, FIG AND PARMA HAM ON UNSALTED RICE CAKES

What could be more delicious when in season than perfectly ripe figs with Parma ham on cream cheese layered unsalted rice cakes? Perfect ingredients to put in a lunch box and then assemble together just before eating.

Spread a thick layer of low-fat cream or soft cheese (you’ll need about 100g/1/2 cup) onto 4 Kallo Unsalted Rice Cakes. Top each with 2 slices folded Parma ham. Cut 2 large figs into quarters and place 2 or 3 segments on top of the rice cakes. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar to serve.

MAKES 4 loaded rice cakes

WLS PORTION 1 loaded rice cake

SMOKED MACKEREL PATE ON SEA SALT AND BALSAMIC RICE CAKES

Here’s a delightfully easy-peasy smoked fish dish that is ideal for a light lunch. Finish with a cooling layer of sliced cucumber if you fancy!

For the smoked mackerel pate blitz 200g/7oz smoked mackerel (or other smoked fish) in a food processor/blender with 100g/1/2 cup low-fat cream or soft cheese, 1 tsp horseradish sauce, small bunch snipped chives, zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1/2 lemon and salt and pepper to taste until you have a rough paste. Smother lovingly on 3 Kallo Sea Salt and Balsamic Rice Cakes and top with a long slice of cucumber if liked.

MAKES 3 loaded rice cakes

WLS PORTION 1 loaded rice cake

FRUITY BLUEBERRY AND YOGURT RICE CAKES

Make a deliciously light and fruity pudding or special sweet snack by topping Kallo Blueberry and Vanilla Rice Cakes with yogurt, blueberries and mint. Drizzle with a little honey if you can tolerate it or some sugar-free syrup (caramel is good). You will need 2 tbsp fat-free Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp blueberries, 1/2 tsp chopped fresh mint and 1/2 tsp honey (if used) per rice cake.

WLS PORTION 1 loaded rice cake

V suitable for Vegetarians

BERRY TOPPED CHOCOLATE RICE THINS

Not as calorific as you might think (about 50 cals per thin) these chocolate rice cake thins are seriously decadent when topped with a mixture of sweet berries and fruit (try strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries and pomegranate seeds) and some chopped fresh mint. Especially indulgent if drizzled with a little honey or sugar-free syrup.