Shroomaboomboom!!!

After three consecutive days of 11hour shoots I literally became a vegetable as soon as I entered my apartment. No energy to cook so I kept it simple tonight for dinner. This meal I whipped up in about ten minutes. It's super easy, paleo,  nutritional, dairy free, gluten free, high in protein, iron and vitamin A! 

Carlita's speedy shroomy chicken and side salad 

Ingredients:

1 zorabian chicken breast cubed ( organic and free range ) 

1 T finely chopped onion 

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 

Few garlic cloves 

Rock salt 

Ground pepper

2T coconut milk

Dried thyme 

 

Salad: 

Cherry tomatoes 

Baby spinach

Olive oil 

Balsamic vinegar 

Seasoning 

Method: 

Coat pan with non stick spray and heat up

Sautée onions and garlic 

Add mushrooms, chicken and thyme. 

Sauté for about 7 minutes (depending on the size of your chicken cubes) 

If the pan dries up during the sautéeing process throw in the coconut milk to loosen it up. 

Turn the heat down and allow to simmer while you prepare the salad. 

Salad: 

Combine all fresh ingredients, dress with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season to taste. 

Plate up and enjoy with a lovely glass of red wine. 

Ahhhhh now that's a good meal after a long day on the grind. Ohhh yeahhh 😎

Shroooooomylove and Wednesday kisses

Carlita 

Vegan night with Alliny

Today one of my dearest friends came to visit. She's not only amazing and kind hearted but also vegan. After a long day shooting we went back to Casa Carlita, savoured some green tea and I couldn't help but listen to all of her reasons for converting to veganism. Being vegetarian for almost three years I have now started eating meat again due to training and the ability to gain lean muscle and a fitter physique. Yes I love animals ( more than humans ) and I do not eat dairy or gluten but the concept of veganiam really does make you think doesn't it ? What are your thoughts about veganiam and a transition from non vegetarian to vegan ? Would love to hear your views. 

After hours of chit chat I headed off to the kitchen to prepare some dinner.  I grabbed all the vegetables I could find I'm my refrigerator and came up with something pretty amazing. Here goes : 

Carlita's chickpea stew with zucchini noodles 

Ingredients 

Chickpeas ( one tin or one cup cooked )

A mix of your favourite vegetables ( I used broccoli, red peppers, peas, carrots, eggplant, mushrooms and baby spinach ) 

Vegetable stock 

Oreganum

Tomato sauce : 

Fresh rosa tomatoes 

Garlic 

Onion 

Basil 

Chilli 

Tomato purée 

Salt and pepper

Spiralized zucchini 

Method: 

Chop all vegetables and sautee in a pot with non stick spray 

Season with salt and pepper 

Sprinkle with oreganum

Sautee till partially cooked 

In a food processor blitz all ingredients for the tomato sauce. 

Transfer the sauce into a saucepan and cook on medium heat till the tomatoes are almost cooked. 

Add the tomato sauce and stock to the vegetables and continue to cook until vegetables are tender.  Add the chickpeas and cook for a further five to seven minutes gradually adding water for the stew to stay moist. 

In a pan, heat up some garlic and add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Sautee for no more than 1-2 minutes. Season to taste. 

Plate up and sprinkle with a dash of extra  virgin olive oil. 

Bon appetite !! 

Love and googles xx 

Avocado: The superfood of the day

Hello all, GGOOOOODMORNINGGG ( in that Good Morning America kinda way ) it's Monday and today we will be talking about one of my favourite things in the entire world: Avocados. 

There are some amazing avocado benefits for your health. If you would like to lose weight, improve your skin and lower your risk of many life-threatening diseases, that's why it's worth eating more of this extremely healthy fruit. 

I pick up my avocados at my local vegetablewalla ( in India that's what we call a vegetable market guy ) in pali market. They are very pricey here so I keep them for those special occasions when my craving becomes unbearable! ( FYI by expensive I mean Rs 500 ... R100 an avocado!! So South Africans please stop complaining about buying yours for R 30 at Wwolworths !!! Hahahhaa  )  

Hmmmm and today I will be sharing my all time favourite guac recipe. I simply adore this. It goes with everything... Brekkie with scrambled eggs, burritos, grilled chicken and veggies, the works! Of course there are many variations to the perfect guac, try my version and see if you like it! 😍. 

Carlita's guac-A-tack:  

1 large haas avocado 

4 cherry tomatoes cut in half 

1 clove of garlic made into a paste 

1 dash Tabasco (or more)

2t cayenne pepper 

Juice of 1/2 lime 

Black pepper 

Rock salt 

1T hemp seeds 

1 cup of LOVE 

Method: 

Bring all ingredients to a bowl and mash up with a fork. It's vital to get all those yummy tomato juices out. 

Chill for a bit then enjoy 😀😀🙌🏻 

 

Love pasta

Sunday's are all about love and the need for comforting wholesome food for lunch. Sunday's are family lunch days but if you are not as fortunate to spend them with family due to work abroad it's up to you to create that love and warmth for yourself in the kitchen to stay nourished deep within your soul. 

I created this amazing recipe to take me back home whenever I'm homesick. 

Altered the recipe to make it gluten free and high protein of course!! 

Before you attempt to give this recipe a try please remember it is of utmost importance to play SEPTEMBER - Earth Wind and Fire in the kitchen while you prepare it!!! This is a crucial step and I can guarantee the results will not be the same without it !! 

Carlita's Love pasta 

Ingredients: 

1 cup GF beetroot fusilli pasta 

I tin organic coconut milk 

Mushrooms 

Red bell peppers 

Broccoli 

Garlic 

Ginger 

Green chilli 

1 tub fresh basil pesto ( I used Wingreen Farms fresh pesto...not only is it organic but a percentage of the proceeds goes to charity so support this brand peeps) 

2 chicken breasts ( I only use organic Zorbian chicken ) 

Mixed herbs 

Fresh Parsley 

Fresh grated coconut

Rock salt and ground pepper 

Love (very important ingredient) 

Method: 

Bring pasta to the boil and cook as per instructions 

In a pan braise ginger, chilli and garlic in some coconut oil. 

Add chopped chicken breasts 

Sauté 

Add veggies 

Sauté and add pasta 

Add basil pesto and coconut milk

Cook for about 4 - 5 min

Season to taste 

Sprinkle with dried mixed herbs and fresh parsley. Mix. 

Garnish with fresh grated coconut. 

And finally add in some love. 

Smile and serve. 😀

This pasta is not only packed with good fats to keep your skin glowing but it's also incredibly creamy, tasty and hearty!!! Sky rocket back into your mom's kitchen. 

You will find all these ingredients at Natures Basket in Bandra. 

I don't do exact quantities. Cooking is all about getting dirty and throwing in everything you love and hoping the outcome is good. If you like more mushrooms and no chicken go for it! If you like more chilli or regular cream instead of coconut milk go for it! Cook according to your taste boys and girls and it will turn out great either way!! 

To make a vegetarian version of this recipe replace the chicken with fresh paneer and don't add the red peppers. Texture of peppers with paneer isn't too great. My personal choice. 

 Lotsa love, 

Carlita 

Super charge and detox

LEAN MEAN GREEN smoothie

Ingredients: 
2 cups of massaged american kale 
1 Tsp wheatgrass powder 
1 cup almond milk
1 banana
1 Tsp honey or stevia
1 Tsp chia seeds

Method:

Blend all ingredients in a vitamix or blender till smooth. 

Add chilled water to reach desired consistency.

Juggling gym and acting

Hello everyone, 

Finally back at the gym after ten days trying to gain weight for a film. It's hard at times but all about counting those macros and limiting cardio. Regular weight lifting is keeping me sane and on track with my lifestyle. 

Ithinkfitness 

This is definitely the best gym in Mumbai! For anyone travelling to Mumbai this is where you want to be. State of the art equipment and amazing staff is all you need to stay in shape and live a clean and healthy lifestyle. 

Today I did some squats, jump rope, and three sets of a basic arm workout. Trying to keep it light as fat loss is not the goal right now. 

Following my gym routine I will make up the burnt calories with a lovely meal from the gym cafeteria. Whats better than a high protein meal of poached chicken, avocado and salsa! 

 Peace love and fitness to all

X 

Takeout Sunday

It's Sunday morning and I feel so blessed today. A special delivery of gluten free bread arrived at my doorstep from the adorable Radhika from Fitness Bakery. Made some amazing toast to eat with my Feel Good salad from Bombay Salad Co.  Simple pleasures when I'm so lazy in bed not able to get up and cook. Simple pleasures and healthy takeouts. Now that's what I call an amazing Sunday morning 😍😘

Fast forward to evening.... After coffee, chits and chats in bed I got my blender out to make my weekly nut butter.... This specific one is a mixture of roasted almonds and peanuts. 

Toasted almond peanut butter: 

Ingredients: 

200g roasted almonds 

500g roasted peanuts 

1T rock salt 

Method: 

Put all ingredients in your food processor and blend till smooth. It takes about 10 minutes to get the desired consistency and an additional 5 minutes for all those amazing nut oils to disperse. Once the butter is rich, pourable and glossy you know it's done. 

Add some honey or stevia syrup if you prefer yours on the sweeter side. 

Store in an airtight mason jar. 

Peace and love 💋😍

Saturday Brunchin' @ Casa Carlita with Love

It's Saturday morning and what better way to cure a hangover than a hearty brunch with loved ones. 

Went all out this morning with greek yoghurt, fruits, gluten free bread, sugar free jams, pancakes, and tuna omelet. I know it seems strange to put tuna in an omelet but trust me this is a winner! Once you try it you are bound to be hooked! 

Carlitas tuna omelet (serves 3) 

Ingredients: 

1 can dolphin-free tuna drained

3 cloves garlic chopped

1/4 onion finely chopped 

2T chopped parsley 

1/2 cup massaged kale finely chopped 

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms 

paprika 

chicken spice 

black pepper

rock salt 

2 full eggs 

4 egg whites

non-stick oil spray for cooking 

1t olive oil or coconut oil 

Method: 

Lightly braise onion, garlic and mushrooms in oil until cooked. 

Add tuna and parsley. after cooking spray with nonstick spray.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pepper, salt, paprika and chicken spice. 

Add the egg mixture to the pan. Ensure the pan has enough non stick spray in the pan before adding the egg mixture (we don't want the egg sticking to the pan!) 

With your egg lifter push the sides of the omelet to the centre to ensure an even distribution of egg mixture in the pan. 

Sprinkle the omelet with kale and cover. 

Simmer and then place under a grill for a few seconds to cook the top of the omelet. Do not overcook the omelet. Once the top is cooked take the omelet out of the oven immediately. If you do not have an oven simply leave the omelet on the stove on low heat and allow to simmer covered with a lid and keep shaking the pan to ensure the uncooked egg on the top distributes evenly. 

Gluten free choco banana pancakes

Today i came across this awesome gluten free banana flour by Kadhali at Natures Basket in Hill Road. I was so excited as its affordable and local compared to the other imported GF flours. I had to give it a shot and came up with this recipe. I threw in some cacao and mashed bananas and it came out pretty good. Here you go guys: 

Ingredients:

1 cup (130 g)  Banana Flour
3 tablespoons pure honey
3 eggs
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt
3T toasted grated coconut
130 ml coconut milk
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/2 cup mashed bananas
1T cacao powder
coconut oil or nonstick spray - for cooking                                                               

Method:

   Combine all ingredients and whisk well till no lumps appear in the mixture. 
   Heat the pan and put 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil or spray with non-stick butter spray.
   Flip over each side once bubbles appear. 
   Eat with honey or maple syrup and a knob of butter ( i just had to ! haha ) 

Carlita quotes

Dinner with Nevena

Back at Casa Carlita for dinner on this amazing Thursday evening I spoiled my flatmate with this awesome and nutritious dinner for two. It's not only a blast of fresh ingredients but also very filling and tasty!! I've taken a classic salad like coleslaw and reinvented it into something healthy and low fat! Take a look. 

Grilled chicken with potatoes and assorted salads:

Grilled chicken

Ingredients: 

Two chicken breasts 

Paprika 

Course black pepper 

Himalayan rock salt

Ina Paarman braai spice 

Cajun spice 

Four garlic cloves 

The juice of one lime 

Dried origanum 

Dried rosemary 

Olive oil cooking spray 

Chicken stock

Two large potatoes 

Method:

Mix all spices together and rub over the chicken breasts. 

Spray the non stick pan and transfer the chicken into it 

Grill the chicken breasts till golden brown 

Add garlic cloves to the pan and then add about one cup of chicken stock. 

Peel and cut the potatoes in half and place into the pan. 

Cook until tender and finish off with lime juice. 

Kale salad 

Ingredients: 

Two cups of chopped kale 

Black pepper 

Rock salt 

Lime juice 

Basil pesto

Olive oil 

Sprouts 

Method: 

Incorporate the salt, pepper, lemon juice and basil pesto and massage into the kale. This is a very important process. It's  vital to massage a dressing into kale until it is tender as this makes the kale more edible and tasty.  

Mix in the basil pesto and sprouts. 

Crispy coleslaw 

Ingredients: 

One cup grated purple cabbage 

1/2 cup grated carrot 

1 T low fat Mayo 

1/2 cup Greek yoghurt 

3T pomegranate seeds 

1T black sesame seeds 

Method: 

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate. 

Garlic dip

Ingredients: 

1 cup Greek yoghurt 

2 mashed cloves of garlic 

1 T fresh chives 

1 T olive oil 

1T feta cheese 

Method: 

Combine and refrigerate 

Sweets for my sweet

Hi everyone,

Had such a long tiring day today, went to the office and ran a few errands and I'm now at home with a huge ice cream craving! I whipped up something sweet to tame the sweet tooth. It was not only sweet but tasted just like ice cream too and minus the cream! 

Carla's-Scream-4-icecream ! 

Ingredients: 

4 frozen ripe bananas 

1T raw cacao nibs 

1T mesquite powder (optional) 

Method: 

Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend till a soft smooth consistency. 

The mesquite powder is optional if you like your desserts very sweet. I prefer to do without it. 

You could add raw cacao paste or cacao powder to turn this into an amazing choco banana frozen dessert! 

Top with some raw peanut butter and some coconut whipped cream for a total indulgence!!  

😘💋

About Me

Welcome 

Hello, my name is Carla Dennis. I am a model, upcoming actress and passionate cook. I love travelling, meeting new interesting people, working hard and meditating in the kitchen. I have a passion for healthy living, wellness and fitness. Here is a glimpse into my life of food, fashion, travel and what drives me everyday. I hope this blog inspires you somehow to go after your dreams and live life to the fullest. 

"A fit, healthy body-- that is the best fashion statement."