I’ve been looking at ways to optimize my training ever since I started CrossFit, and like most of you, I naturally found myself dabbling in the Zone and Paleo diets.  I’ve managed to combine both, sort of, and allow myself the occasional cheat day.  And by “sort of”, I find myself leaning more and more towards a straight paleo diet which means I don’t freak out when there aren’t enough carbs on my plate.

With new diets, there are always new recipes to try.  So, when I try one that matches the Paleo/Zone theme, I’ll post it up and you can have fun with it too. 
Here’s one to get you started.

-serves 4-
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 one-inch ginger stem, peeled and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
8 ounces shrimp
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
1 acorn squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
8 ounces green beans, cut into 3-inch segments
Salt and pepper
chile paste (optional)
Procedure:

1. Add the butter to a large skillet set over medium heat. When melted, toss in the onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

2. Dump in the shrimp, cook for 3 minutes, and then remove.

3. Pour in the coconut milk, stir well, and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Add the squash and the green beans. Stir well, and simmer for 20 minutes. Then add the shrimp back to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Results:

I enjoyed this meal, and although a bit time consuming, was a great use for the acorn squash I had on the counter and the can of coconut milk in the
pantry.  I will say that it came out more like a stir-fry than a stew, and it took a lot longer than stir-fry.  But I’ve got a full belly and that’s what counts.  Give it a try for yourself and let me know how it goes.

Found on | SeriousEats.com | December 4, 2009