theGrio's healthy cooking series: Chef Jamika

theGRIO REPORT - Atlanta-based chef Jamika Pessoa left her job as a marketing executive to pursue a career in the culinary arts...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Atlanta-based chef Jamika Pessoa left her job as a marketing executive to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Since graduating from culinary school, she has become a highly sought after personal chef, and frequently incorporates healthy cooking into her repertoire.

“I like to have a good balance in my cooking that allows people to partake of the foods they love, yet never feel deprived of anything,” she says.

Having studied in Venice, Italy and Vienna, Chef Jamika also infuses her Caribbean heritage with Southern styles to create her signature dishes.

She’s shared her expertise on ABC’s The Chew, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and as host of TLC’s show Home Made Simple. Her culinary skills also earned her a spot in the final round on season five of The Next Food Network Star.

Try out one of Chef Jamika’s favorite healthy recipes below.

“My philosophy on healthy eating and cooking is enjoy your food, treat yourself occasionally, and look for ways to cut fat, never flavor.”

Orange Rosemary Salmon with Zucchini Succotash, serves four

Ingredients:

4 skinless salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons chopped rosemary

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound (about 2) medium zucchini, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

½ cup diced onion

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 cup frozen butter beans or lima beans

¼ cup chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Heat oven broiler. In a small bowl mix together salt, pepper, rosemary, orange juice, honey, and olive oil. Rub mixture all over salmon fillets. Arrange on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet.

2. Broil until fish is browned and slightly firm to the touch, about 10-12 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for five to six minutes. Stir in corn and butter beans. Cook, tossing, until corn and beans are tender and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper. Serve with salmon immediately.

Dr. Tyeese Gaines is a physician-journalist with over 10 years of print and broadcast experience, now serving as health editor for theGrio.com. Dr. Ty is also a practicing emergency medicine physician in New Jersey. Follow her on twitter at @doctorty or on Facebook.

Read more healthy cooking tips from other chefs here.

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