In this recipe, it’s important to choose organic pork. Industrial farmed pigs are confined and fed corn and soybeans, which most likely have been genetically modified. When you buy organic pork, the pig’s diet will be organic and free of genetically modified grains, pesticides and synthetic chemicals. In addition, organic pork is from pigs who have never been given antibiotics.
Ingredients (use organic ingredients):
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 cups frozen pearl onions, thawed
- 2 cups Gala apple wedges
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon rock or sea salt, divided (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 4 (6-ounce) organic bone-in center-cut pork loin chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Pat onions dry with a paper towel. Add onions to pan; cook 2 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring once. Add apple to pan; place in oven. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until onions and apple are tender. Sprinkle with thyme and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt (optional) and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add pork to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove pork from pan; keep warm. Combine broth and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add broth mixture to pan; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook 1 minute or until reduced to 1/4 cup then stir in vinegar. Serve sauce with pork and apple mixture.
Serves 4.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 355 calories, 17.4 grams fat, 120 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium, 11.7 grams carbs, 1.9 grams dietary fiber, 34.9 grams protein, high in iron.