Southwestern Cookery is a zesty culinary blend of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. The signature flavors and delicate subtleties of the southwest have been evolving for centuries. Evolving still, this cuisine is being influenced by recent trends that have produced a more fat conscious and nutritionally aware consumer. This week's dish is the popular fajita, an old cowboy snack of grilled meat and vegetables, wrapped in a flour tortilla. With this wholesome interpretation, the health conscious cook can create a lively and nutritious meal.

Sizzling fajitas are a personal favorite, and are perfect for cooks with a busy schedule. An enticing mix of colorful vegetables, topped with garnishes and condiments fill a tasty whole wheat tortilla in this festive dish. Made healthy with wholesome, soy-based chick'n strips, and whole grain tortillas. Remember to choose only tortillas that do NOT contain hydrogenated fat. It's really easy to prepare this delicious meal. The filling ingredients are sauteed in a touch of olive oil, until they are crisp-tender, and the tortillas are warm in the oven in less than 10 minutes.

For a really authentic presentation, you can bring the sizzling entree to the table in a cast iron fajita skillet. However, It isn't really necessary as any cast iron or heavy skillet will do, and you can also use an electric frying pan. In my kitchen, a clay tortilla warmer does a terrific job of keeping the tortillas steaming hot. Fajitas are great fun to assemble and eat. Add your favorite salsa, jalapeno slices, tomatoes, sliced avocado or guacamole, and crunchy sprouts.

Fiesta Fajitas!*
*with permission from More Soy Cooking, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., © Marie Oser, 2000

8 servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red onion, halved crosswise and cut into 1/8 wedges
• 1 (each) green and red bell peppers, cut into 2 strips
• 4 cups unpeeled russet potatoes, cut into 1/4 wedges
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 (6 ounce packages) Smart Menu Chick'n Strips
• 1/2 cup of vegetarian chicken broth
• 3 cups broccoli fluorites, cut to bite size
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon. tamari
• 8 whole wheat tortillas
  

In large electric frying pan or cast iron skillet, or Dutch oven, warm oil, and crushed pepper, 2 minutes, over medium high heat. Add garlic, onion and bell peppers and saute 3 minutes. Add potatoes and carrots and cook mixture 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add vegetarian chicken strips, and cook mixture 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low, add remaining ingredients. and simmer mixture 10 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through,.Warm tortillas covered in oven or microwave. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Enlightened Fiesta Fajitas 
Nutrition Analysis: per serving: 1 Fajita
Protein: 12 g., Carbohydrate.:47 g., Fiber: 9 g., Fat: 2g., Chol.:0, Calcium: 77mg., Sodium: 519mg.
Calories 230
from Protein: 18%, from Carbohydrate 73%, from Fat: 9%

Traditional Fajitas 
Nutrition Analysis: per serving: 1 Fajita
Protein: 29 g., Carbohydrate.:42 g., Fiber: 4 g., Fat: 17g., Chol. 79 mg Calcium: 89mg., Sodium: 610 mg.
Calories 442
from Protein: 26%, from Carbohydrate: 39%, from Fat: 35%

Ingredients of Note

Smart Menu Chick'n Strips- Made by Light Life Foods from soy, these authentic meat substitutes are low in, high in protein, and fiber rich in phytochemicals, fat-free, and cholesterol free. Available in the refrigerated section of health food
stores.

Tamari-A natural soy sauce made with only soybeans. Tamari is wheat-free, with a mellow flavor, slightly stronger than shoyu. Available in health food stores, or Asian markets.