Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can present a variety of challenges, particularly when it comes to finding delicious, kidney-friendly recipes. Those with moderate to advanced CKD may need to adhere to strict dietary restrictions, significantly limiting their intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium to prevent further kidney damage and manage their condition effectively. This often means that many common and flavorful ingredients are off-limits, making it difficult to prepare meals that are both enjoyable and safe. Here are a couple of simple, easy-to-make recipes to fit most renal diets from the American Kidney Fund Kidney Kitchen.*

Empanadas

12 servings, 40 mins prep, 40 mins cook

Low potassium, phosphorus, sodium

Ingredients

• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ½ tomato, chopped
• ¼ cup onion, chopped
• 6 zucchinis, sliced
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups flour
• ¼ cup cooking oil
• ½ cup ice cold water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• In skillet, cook ground beef, tomato, onion, zucchini and pepper on medium-high heat, then set aside.
• Mix flour and oil. Add cold water a bit at a time until mixture is moist, then let stand for 30 minutes.
• Divide dough into 12 balls or patties and roll each piece into a 6-inch circle.
• Fill each circle with ground beef mixture (about 2-4 spoonsful)
• Fold over and seal edges with water by pressing with a fork. 
• Bake 40 minutes.

This can also fit a low-protein diet.

Crunchy Chicken Salad Wraps

4 servings, 15 mins prep, 0 mins cook

Low potassium, phosphorus, sodium

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 scallion, chopped (both green and white parts)
• ½ cup seedless red grapes, halved
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• ¼ cup Low-Sodium Mayonnaise (or store-bought)
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 4 large lettuce leaves (butter or red leaf recommended)

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, stir together the chicken, scallion, grapes, celery, and mayonnaise until well mixed.
• Season the mixture with pepper.
• Spoon the chicken salad onto the lettuce leaves and serve.

This is a medium-protein recipe.

Enjoy!

*American Kidney Fund Kidney Kitchen. Find Recipes. Retrieved from https://kitchen.kidneyfund.org/find-recipes/ 

Image source: kidneyfund.org

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