A few words, and a Super Bowl recipe, from my pal Ming Tsai

Paul Pierce and Ming Tsai at Paul’s Truth on Health Rally in Copley Square this past September. (Aram Bogosian photo)

Hey all,

You’ve heard from me on fitness and eating right plenty this season, and while you know I got skills in the kitchen, I thought it was time to bring in some reinforcements with the Super Bowl comin' up this weekend, so I asked my buddy Ming Tsai to weigh in on how you can enjoy good cookin' during the game, while still eating food that’s good for you.

Ming’s been a great friend and supporter of my Truth on Health initiative, and I’ve certainly enjoyed a ton of delicious meals over at his Blue Ginger in Wellesley. Mmm, mmm good.

It’s all you, Ming…

Ming: I'm excited to be here as a guest on my captain buddy's blog. How about my boys in green? Great game by Paul against the Lakers, Perk is back, Garnett is healthy!

Actor Anthony Anderson with Kevin Youkilis and Ming Tsai at Pierce’s Truth Strikes Again Fundraiser this past December. (Aram Bogosian photo)

It was a great night, with lots of money raised for a great cause. Any chance I have to help bring awareness to Paul's Truth on Health, I happily jump in. I believe in Paul's mission. I'm an active person and I try to move every day, whether it’s a great yoga class or time spent at the squash courts. It’s important to our well-being, to our lives - keep moving and eat healthy!

Everyone is busy, but we need to take the time to think about what we eat. Small changes in the way we do things help. We just need to think about what we are cooking and how we are cooking it.

As we head into Super Bowl weekend (I know our Pats should be there!), think about what you are cooking and how you’re cooking it. Try broiling your wings instead of frying them. I think you can still have amazing tasting wings and eliminate some of the fat. One of my favorite quick dips while at home is mixing non-fat Greek yogurt together with salsa and you have a dip with great creaminess that is good for you! Pair your dip with my Blue Ginger Rice Chips and you have a delicious treat that’s healthy. Try my recipe for Broiled Chipotle-Tamari Chicken Wings with Zucchini Sticks for game night, they are sure to be a hit!

Peace and Good Eating,
Ming Tsai

Broiled Chipotle-Tamari Chicken Wings with Zucchini Sticks (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 large red onion, rough chopped
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Chipotle en adobo, chopped
1 large tomato, rough chopped
½ cup Wanjashan naturally brewed rice vinegar
¼ cup Wanjashan low sodium naturally brewed Tamari
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds chicken wings, separated into wings and drumettes, rinsed and brined
1 cup Fage Greek yogurt
1 large zucchini, cut into 1 inch x 2 inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Canola oil for cooking

Directions:

Pre-set oven to high broil and place rack on lower part of oven. In a sauce pan on med-high heat coated lightly with oil, sauté the onions, ginger and garlic until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the Chipotle and tomatoes and stir. Add the rice vinegar and tamari and deglaze reducing by 50%. Buzz the mixture with hand stick or blender, adding butter to the mixture. Take ¼ cup of mixture and mix with yogurt, season and hold in fridge. Rinse and dry the wings and toss with remaining sauce. Spread on sheet tray and broil, flipping once when browned, about 10 minutes total. Meanwhile, cut the zucchini into strips and serve on the side with reserved sauce and wings.

Paul: Thanks for sharing this with us, Ming, and keep up the good eats. Learn more about my buddy Ming’s delicious cookin' and how to stay fit by logging on to my website at www.truthonhealth.org.