352 Nutritional Challenge: Recipe #7 -- Tastes Like Fried Chicken Pork Chops and Rice

 

Who doesn't like fried chicken? This recipe ends up tasting like fried chicken -- only it's healthier and it's pork. I added the English peas and jasmine rice on the side, because I found fresh peas! It's a challenge to find fresh peas vs. frozen (and God forbid you ever eat canned peas ... can we say YUCK). I never even knew I liked peas until I got a taste of fresh ones. I remember as a kid, Mom used to insist we eat our vegetables -- and canned peas were the worst. I used to swallow them whole with a big gulp of milk. So... today, like all processed anything, I never eat out of a can. 

Okay, so let's discuss this flavorful dish. It's super easy to make, and once more only takes about 30 minutes. The side salad is optional since you're getting your vegetables in the rice. Now I thoroughly enjoyed the salad, and you can make whatever kind of salad you enjoy; so, we're not going to focus on the salad.

 INGREDIENTS - PORK CHOP (Dinner for Two)

2 Thick-Cut Pork Chops

1/2 Cup Flour

1 TBSP Chipotle Seasoning

Olive Oil

Salt

Step 1: To make your meat nice and smooth, set out the pork chops on a chopping board. Rub salt on each side of the chop. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Take a 1/2 cup of white flour in a small cup and add 1 TBSP of Chipotle Seasoning (or if you like more flavor, add more). Mix together.

Step 3: Take a grill pan, add a generous amount of Olive Oil. Turn on your flame and heat the oil (you're going to sear the pork chop, which will hold in juices). 

Step 4: Rub the seasoning mixture on each pork chop, front and back. Then take each chop, add it to the grill pan, and cover with grill lid. You will want to cook each side about 8-10 minutes (or until the pink in the middle of each chop is gone).  

INGREDIENTS - JASMINE RICE AND PEAS

1 1/2 Cups Jasmine Rice

1 Bag English Peas

Salt

2 TBSP Olive Oil

1 TBSP Lemon Juice (fresh or bottled)

Step 1: Follow the cooking directions for the rice on the bag. 

Step 2: Right as the rice begins to simmer, add the olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 3: Take the English peas in a separate pot, add 3 cups of water, and let it come to a boil. Add the peas and salt, and cook for 1 minute. Once done set the peas aside.

Step 4: Pour your rice in a bowl, add the peas, and mix. 

Now take your pork chops and rice and plate them -- voile! It's really easy, but sooooooo yummy. I could eat this dish once a week I love it so much.