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Category: Pork

Chinese-BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Chinese-BBQ Pork Tenderloin

1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin
2 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. five-spice powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
Cooking spray
1 T. hoisin sauce
1 T. orange juice
1/2 tsp. dark sesame oil

Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim fat from pork. Combine sugar and next 3 ingredients (sugar through pepper). Rub pork with spice mixture. Place pork on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; insert a meat thermometer into thickest portion of tenderloin. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Combine hoisin, orange juice, and oil in a small bowl; brush over tenderloin. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until thermometer registers 160°F (slightly pink).

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 3 oz.

Calories: 165
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 0.2g

Fettuccine with Proscuitto & Asparagus

Fettuccine with Proscuitto & Asparagus

3 C. (1-inch) diagonally cut asparagus
1 (9-oz.) package fresh fettuccine
1 T. olive oil
1 C. chopped onion
2 tsp. bottled minced garlic
1/2 C. chopped prosciutto (about 2 oz.)
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 C. (1 oz.) preshredded fresh Parmesan cheese

Serve with a tossed garden salad or sliced tomatoes sprinkled with basil and feta. Cook asparagus and pasta in boiling water 3 minutes or until the pasta is done. Drain asparagus and pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 C. cooking liquid. Wipe pan dry with a paper towel. Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add prosciutto; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in asparagus and pasta, reserved cooking liquid, vinegar, salt, red pepper, and black pepper; toss well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1-1/4 C.

Calories: 335
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 5.4g

Ham & Bean Casserole

Ham & Bean Casserole

1 T. olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 T. minced garlic
2 C. diced, cooked ham
3 C. cooked white pea beans
2 C. diced, canned tomatoes
1 C. grated reduced fat Cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. pepper

Topping:
1 1/2 C. fresh bread crumbs
1/4 C. Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/4 C. finely chopped fresh parsley
1 T. olive oil

In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium/high heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine the garlic/onion mixture with the ham, beans, tomatoes, cheese, basil and pepper. Spoon into a lightly greased 3 quart (3L) casserole dish. Combine all topping ingredients and spoon evenly over casserole. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, or until topping is a light golden color.

Ham Tetrazinni

Ham Tetrazinni

1/4 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. low-salt chicken broth
1 C. 2% reduced-fat milk
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 T. stick margarine or butter
2 C. sliced mushrooms
1/2 C. diced green bell pepper
3 C. hot cooked wide egg noodles (about 5 oz. uncooked pasta)
1 C. lean cubed cooked ham
1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1 T. dry sherry
1/3 C. dry breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 450. Place flour in a bowl; add broth, milk, and pepper. Stir the flour mixture well with a whisk. Melt margarine in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and bell pepper; sauté 3 minutes. Add flour mixture. Cook 2 minutes or until thick and bubbly; stir constantly. Combine sauce, noodles, ham, cheese, and sherry in a 1-1/2-quart casserole or 10-inch round gratin dish; sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake at 450; for 10 minutes or until bubbly.

Yield: 5 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 293
Fat: 9.3g
Fiber: 1.9g

Hoisin Marinated Pork Chops

Hoisin Marinated Pork Chops

1/4 C. low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 C. hoisin sauce
1/4 C. honey
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 (4-oz.) boneless center-cut loin pork chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
Cooking spray

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; add pork chops. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Prepare grill. Remove pork from bag; discard marinade. Place pork on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 3 minutes on each side or until done. Note: Store cooked pork in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 pork chop

Calories: 188
Fat: 6.2g
Fiber: 0g

Honey-Cumin Roasted Pork with Caramelized Onions

Honey-Cumin Roasted Pork with Caramelized Onions

1 (3-pound) boned pork loin roast
3 T. honey
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 T. ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
2 large onions (about 2 lb.), cut into 8 wedges
1 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided

Preheat oven to 375°F. Trim fat from pork; score a diamond pattern on top of pork. Combine the honey and the next 4 ingredients (honey through red pepper) in a small bowl. Combine 2 T. honey mixture and onion wedges; toss well to combine. Place the pork on the rack of a broiler pan or roasting pan. Arrange onion wedges around pork. Brush the remaining honey mixture over pork. Insert a meat thermometer into thickest part of pork. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until thermometer registers 155°F (slightly pink). Place pork on a platter, and cover with foil. Let stand 10 minutes for the pork to reabsorb juices. (Temperature of the roast will increase 5°F upon standing). Remove rack from pan. Add 1/2 C. broth to drippings in pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Combine drippings mixture and 1/2 C. broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Cut pork diagonally across grain into thin slices; serve with onions and sauce.

Yield: 12 servings
Serving size: 3 oz. pork, about 1/4 C. onions, and 1 T. sauce

Calories: 212
Fat: 8.2g
Fiber: 1.5g

Pecan-Crusted Pork with Onions and Sweet Potatoes

Pecan-Crusted Pork with Onions and Sweet Potatoes

2 pounds peeled sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
Cooking spray
1/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1 bacon slice, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 medium red onion, sliced and separated into rings (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 T. grated peeled fresh ginger
1 pound pork tenderloin
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup ground pecans
1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 T. butter or stick margarine
4 tsp. finely chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange potato slices in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 2 T. sugar; arrange bacon on top. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Turn potatoes over; bake an additional 30 minutes or until tender. Keep warm. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and 2 T. sugar; cook 6 minutes or until onion is tender and lightly browned, stirring frequently. Stir in water, vinegar, and ginger; bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes, and remove from heat. Trim fat from pork, and cut crosswise into 8 pieces. Place each piece between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup. Place 1/4 cup flour in a shallow dish. Combine 1/4 cup flour, ground pecans, and pepper in a separate shallow dish. Dredge pork in flour, shaking off excess. Dip pork in egg whites; dredge in pecan mixture, coating both sides. Melt butter in pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Arrange pork in pan in a single layer. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Top pork with onion mixture; sprinkle with chopped pecans. Serve with sweet potatoes.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 2 cutlets, 1/4 cup onion marmalade, and 3/4 cup sweet potatoes

Calories: 685
Fat: 23.2g
Fiber: 9.1 g

Pork, Cashew & Green Bean Stir Fry

Pork, Cashew & Green Bean Stir Fry

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
4 cups (2-inch) cut green beans (about 1 pound)
2 tsp. dark sesame oil
Cooking spray
1 to 2 T. minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped unsalted cashews, toasted

Combine the soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl, and add pork, stirring to coat. Cover and chill. Place beans in a large saucepan of boiling water, and cook 5 minutes. Drain beans; plunge into ice water. Drain. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add pork mixture; stir-fry 1-1/2 minutes. Stir in green beans; stir-fry 1-1/2 minutes or until pork is done. Stir in broth; reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes. Serve over rice; sprinkle with cashews.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 cup stir-fry mixture, 1/2 cup rice, and 1 T. cashews

Calories: 349
Fat: 9.7g
Fiber: 3.3g

Pork with Olive-Caper Sauce

Pork with Olive-Caper Sauce

Pork with Olive-Caper Sauce1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 T. olive oil, divided
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives
2 T. capers
2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Cut pork crosswise into 8 pieces. Place each pork piece between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle both sides of the pork with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge pork in flour, turning to coat; shake off the excess flour. Heat 1-1/2 tsp. olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of pork, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until done. Remove pork mixture from pan, and keep warm. Repeat procedure with the remaining oil and pork. Return pork to pan. Add wine and broth; bring to a boil. Stir in olives and capers; cook 4 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 2 medallions and 2 T. sauce

Calories: 212
Fat: 8.1g
Fiber: 0.9g

Savory Smothered Pork Chops

Savory Smothered Pork Chops

4 (6-oz.) bone-in pork chops
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
2 T. olive oil
1 shallot, peeled and minced
1/3 cup beef broth
1 T. butter

Season pork chops with salt, pepper and rosemary; set aside. In a heated skillet, add oil and over medium-high heat, brown pork chops until cooked thoroughly, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chops to a serving platter and cover to keep warm. Add shallot to pan; sauté until soft. Add broth, scraping to remove any browned bits from bottom of pan. Let liquid reduce by half, about 3 minutes. Swirl in butter until melted and pour over chops. Serve warm.

Stuffed Pork Loin

Stuffed Pork Loin

1/4 cup finely chopped raisins
2 T. finely chopped pine nuts
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
3/4 tsp. salt, divided
1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
1 (2-pound) boned pork loin roast
2 bacon slices
Cooking spray
2 cups water

Preheat oven to 400. Combine chopped raisins, pine nuts, garlic, spinach, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Unroll roast, and trim fat from pork. Slice pork lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, other side. Open the halves, laying pork flat. Slice each half lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, other side, and open flat. Place plastic wrap over pork, and flatten to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Spread spinach mixture down center of pork to within 1/2 inch of sides. Roll up pork, jelly-roll fashion, starting with long side. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Place bacon over pork. Secure at 2-inch intervals with heavy string. Place pork on a rack coated with cooking spray. Pour 2 cups water into a shallow roasting pan; place rack in pan. Insert meat thermometer into thickest portion of pork. Bake at 400&176; for 1 hour or until the thermometer registers 160&176; (slightly pink). Place pork on a platter; cover and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Cut into 8 slices; serve warm.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 slice

Calories: 231
Fat: 10.9g
Fiber: 2.6g

Baked Chimichangas

Baked Chimichangas

2 pounds lean boneless pork
2 cups water
2 T. chili powder
2 T. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried whole oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 8oz. can no salt added tomato sauce
1 4oz. can chopped green chilies
1 cup (4oz.) shredded reduced fat Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
12 (10″) flour tortillas
vegetable cooking spray
12 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
3/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
3/4 cup salsa

Trim fat from pork; cut pork into 2″ pieces. Combine pork, water and next 5 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover, cook over medium low heat for 1 hour or until liquid evaporates. Remove from heat. Shred meat with two forks. Stir in tomato sauce, chilies, cheese and green onions. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil; heat at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Working with one tortilla at a time, coat both sides with cooking spray. Spoon 1/3 cup meat mixture just below center of tortilla. Fold over left and right sides of tortilla to partially cover filling. Fold remaining edges to form a rectangle, and secure with a wooden pick. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Place filled tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes until crisp. Remove picks. Place 1 cup lettuce on each plate; top with chimichanga. Combine sour cream and hot sauce. Top each chimichanga w/ sour cream and salsa.

Whisky Pork Chops

Whisky Pork Chops

whiskey_glazed_pork_chop_52/3 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup water
2 T. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried rubbed sage
1/4 tsp. black pepper
4 (6-ounce) bone-in center-cut pork chops, trimmed
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
1/2 cup whiskey

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle pork with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork; saut� 5 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove pork from pan. Add onion and mushrooms to pan; saut� for 3 minutes. Carefully add whiskey to pan; cook for 1 minute or until liquid almost evaporates. Stir sour cream mixture into pan. Return pork to pan; spoon sauce over pork. Wrap handle of skillet with foil. Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 pork chop and about 1/3 cup sauce

Calories: 310
Fat: 9.6g
Fiber: 1.3g

Honey-Sesame Tenderloin

Honey-Sesame Tenderloin

1 lb. pork tenderloin
1/2 C. soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. grated fresh ginger root
1 T. sesame oil
1/4 C. honey
2 T. brown sugar
4 T. sesame seeds

Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Place tenderloin in a heavy plastic bag, pour soy mixture over to coat. Let marinate 2 hours at room temperature, or overnight in refrigerator. Remove pork from marinade, pat dry. Mix together honey and brown sugar in a shallow plate. Place sesame seed on a separate shallow plate. Roll pork well in honey mixture, coating well; then roll in sesame seed. Roast in a shallow pan at 400[F for 20-30 minutes, until meat thermometer inserted registers 160[F. Remove to serving platter, slice thinly to serve.

Grilled Pork in Raspberry-Herb Marinade

Grilled Pork in Raspberry-Herb Marinade

Raspberry-Herb Marinade:

1/2 cup raspberry vinegar
2 cloves garlic
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. honey
1 tsp. each fresh marjoram, and fresh sage and thyme
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper

1 pound pork tenderloin, or pork loin chops

1 T. olive oil
Mesculun (field) greens

Mix all marinade ingredients. Reserve 1-2 T. for salad. Marinate pork in 1/2 cup marinade in the refrigerator at least 2 hours. Grill until pink, basting often. Mix reserved marinade with olive oil, toss with salad greens. Serve pork with salad.

Quick & Easy Tangy Pork

Quick & Easy Tangy Pork

4 boneless pork chops/ Equivalent of lean Beef tips/2 Whole Chicken breasts/
1 package of taco seasoning
A touch of oil
1 cup salsa
1 cup apricot preserves
Maybe some brown sugar

Cube the meat into bite sized pieces. Cover with the packet of taco seasoning. Add oil to pan, brown meat until almost done. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa and preserves, add to meat in pan. Simmer 10-15 minutes, taste to see if you need to add some brown sugar.

Potatoes & Sausage Creole

Potatoes & Sausage Creole

4 Med. Potatoes, cut into long, thin slices 1/4 inch thick
1/2 lb. Lowfat Kielbasa, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 Medium Green Bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
3/4 C. Tomato Juice
1/2 to 1 T. Creole or Cajun seasoning

Microwave potatoes 8 to 10 minutes until tender. While potatoes cook, in large nonstick skillet toss and brown sausage and pepper over high heat 5 minutes. Add potatoes; saut�� and toss until potatoes are lightly browned. Add juice and seasoning; toss 2 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 273
Fat: 4.2g
Fiber: 5g

Twigs and Leaves Lasagna

Twigs and Leaves Lasagna

1 bunch amaranth

1 bunch green carrot tops (variation: have also used turnip greens, spinach)

1/2 box lasagna noodles (about 9)

2 Italian sausages

3 cloves garlic

3 cipollini (very small) onions

2 tsp. vegetable oil

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 zucchini

2 1/2 c. mozzarella, shredded

1/2 c. Parmesan

1 handful fresh basil/oregano

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Get very large pot of salted water boiling. Get medium pot of water boiling. Chop amaranth and carrot tops or other greens into 1″ pieces, dicing stems. Mince garlic and onion, and pick basil/oregano. Slice zucchini. Cook lasagna noodles in large pot, following package instructions. Do not trust “oven-ready” lasagna noodles–they’re not. Boil amaranth and carrot tops in medium pot until wilted, a few minutes for amaranth, several minutes for carrot tops; strain. Meanwhile, remove casings from sausages and sauté in oil with garlic and onions, breaking the sausage up. Stir regularly. When everything’s browned, add tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, and boiled greens. Simmer until everything else is ready. In bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil/oregano. When lasagna noodles are done, drain and rinse them in cold water.

In 9″x13″ pan, layer as following:

* 1/2 red sauce

* Lasagna noodles (about 3)

* 1/2 cheese mixture

* Lasagna noodles

* Remaining red sauce

* Remaining lasagna noodles

* Remaining cheese mixture

Cover with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes (you won’t want to, but this is *crucial*–otherwise it will all fall apart).

Polenta and Sausage

Polenta and Sausage

4 cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 cup cornmeal

2 T. oil

1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)

1 Italian sausages or Kielbasa, cut in small pieces

1/4 pound sliced mushrooms or 1 small can of mushrooms

1-2 cups marinara sauce

1/4 pound Cheddar or Jack cheese, cut in small pieces

Bring the water to a boil with the salt and slowly stir in the cornmeal, using a wire whisk to mix while pouring it in. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring every now and then. If you want to do this ahead, pour it into a 9×9 pan and refrigerate till dinner. Otherwise, keep it warm until the sauce is ready. Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onion, cooking a few minutes till soft. Add the sausage and cook a few more minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook another couple of minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, adding more water if the sauce gets too thick. When the sauce is almost ready, heat the oven to 350 and put the cornmeal in until warm and the cheese is melted. Cut the polenta into squares and spoon the sausage and sauce over the top.

Pork Chops with Corn Stuffing

Pork Chops with Corn Stuffing

 

4 (4 oz) boneless pork chops

4 C. cornbread stuffing mix

1/2 C. chopped celery

1/4 C. chopped onion

1/4 tsp dried sage (I used poultry seasoning)

1 can (14 oz) chicken broth

1 (11 oz) can of mexi-corn, drained (I’m going to use frozen corn and diced bell pepper since that’s what I have on hand)

1 egg, beaten

 

Heat a lightly-oiled skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook just until browned on both sides. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon stuffing mixture into 3-4 quart slow-cooker coated lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange browned pork chops over stuffing. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until pork is no longer pink in the center.

Hot and Saucy Tortellini

Hot and Saucy Tortellini

 

8 ounces cheese tortellini

8 ounces bulk Italian Sausage or Ground Beef

16 ounces tomato and basil pasta sauce

16 ounces salsa

2 T. cilantro

 

Cook tortellini and drain. Cook sausage or ground beef. Add sauce, salsa, and 1 T. cilantro; simmer 5 minutes then add pasta. Sprinkle individual servings with remaining cilantro after serving.

Baked Cavatelli

Baked Cavatelli

 

2-1/3 C. dried cavatelli or wagon wheel macaroni (7 ounces)

12 ounces uncooked Italian sausage links, sliced 1/2 inch thick, or lean ground beef

3/4 C. chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 26-ounce jar pasta sauce

1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; set aside. In a large skillet cook the sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is brown; remove from skillet. Drain. In a large bowl stir together pasta sauce, 3/4 C. of the mozzarella cheese, and the pepper. Add the cooked pasta and the drained sausage mixture. Stir gently to combine. Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart casserole. Bake, covered, in a 375 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until nearly heated through. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 C. mozzarella cheese. Bake about 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted.

Ham and Beans with Spinach

Ham and Beans with Spinach

 

2 15oz. cans Great Northern Beans

1 T. EVOO

1 T. minced Garlic

2 C. cooked Smoked Ham, cut into bite-size strips

3 C. washed fresh Spinach

 

Drain beans; reserving liquid. In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook while stirring for 1 minute. Add beans and ham to skillet. Cook about 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir spinach into bean mixture in skillet; cover and cook for 2-5 minutes more or until greens are wilted. If desired, thin mixture with some of the reserved bean liquid.

Pork Chops with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

Pork Chops with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

4 boneless pork chops, 1″ thick

lemon pepper seasoning

2 T. butter

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 3/4 C. Chicken Broth

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1/2 C. dried cranberries or 1/2 C. dried cherries

 

Season the pork chops with lemon pepper. Cook the pork chops in a nonstick 10-inch skillet over medium heat for 20 minutes or until they’re well browned on both sides and cooked through but slightly pink in center. Remove the chops and keep warm. Add 1 T. of the butter to the skillet. Add the garlic and cook until tender. Stir the broth, vinegar and cranberries into the skillet. Heat to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened. Stir in the remaining butter. Serve the chops with the sauce.

Sausage and Polenta with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Sausage and Polenta with Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/2 of a 16-ounce tube refrigerated cooked polenta

1 T. olive oil

4 uncooked sweet Italian sausage links (about 1 pound total), each cut into 4 pieces

1/2 C. apple juice

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

2 T. snipped dried tomatoes

1 8-ounce package mixed salad greens

1/4 C. pine nuts or slivered almonds, toasted (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut polenta into 1/4-inch slices, then cut each slice in half. Brush polenta with oil. Arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake about 15 minutes or until light brown, turning once. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat for 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove sausage from skillet. Drain off fat; wipe skillet with paper towels. Return sausage to skillet; add apple juice, balsamic vinegar, and dried tomatoes. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink (160 degrees F). To serve, divide salad greens among four dinner plates. Arrange polenta slices and sausage pieces next to greens. Drizzle balsamic mixture over greens, polenta, and sausage. If desired, sprinkle with nuts.

Squirt-Of-Orange Pork Chops

Squirt-Of-Orange Pork Chops

 

1 large orange

4 boneless pork loin steaks, cut 1 inch thick

1/2 tsp. garlic pepper seasoning

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 C. orange marmalade

2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

 

Cut orange in half. Cut one half of the orange into 4 wedges; set wedges aside. Squeeze juice from remaining orange half. Remove 1 T. of the juice and brush on both sides of each chop. Sprinkle chops with garlic-pepper seasoning and salt. In a small bowl combine remaining orange juice, orange marmalade, and the chopped rosemary; set aside. Preheat broiler. Place chops on unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and cook for an addition 5 to 6 minutes, brushing with orange marmalade mixture for the last 2 to 3 minutes of broiling. Chops are done when pork juices run clear or a meat thermometer inserted into center of chop registers 160 degrees. Serve orange wedges with chops. If desired, garnish with rosemary sprig. If desired, squeeze juice from orange wedges over chops.

Pizza Turnovers

Pizza Turnovers

 

5ounces reduced-fat mild Italian bulk turkey sausage

1/2C. prepared pizza sauce

1package (10 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough

1/3C. shredded reduced-fat Italian cheese blend (10 ounces)

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook and stir sausage in nonstick saucepan until browned. Drain fat. Add pizza sauce. Cook and stir until hot. Spray baking sheet with nonstick olive oil cooking spray. Unroll pizza dough onto baking sheet. Pat into 12X8-inch rectangle. Cut into 6 (4X4-inch) squares. Divide sausage mixture evenly among squares. Sprinkle with cheese. Lift one corner of each square and fold over filling to opposite corner, making triangle. Press edges with tines of fork to seal. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Serve.

One Pot Latin American Pork Stew

One Pot Latin American Pork Stew

2 tsp. olive oil

2 lb boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 lg onion, chopped

4 clove garlic, minced

1 can(s) diced tomatoes(14 1/2 oz) with juice

1 c cilantro, fresh, chopped

1 tsp. cumin, ground

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. coriander, ground

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, ground

1 md jalapeño, minced

2 c water

3 md sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/-inch chunks

2 can(s) black beans, rinsed and drained(15-19 oz)

 

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a non-stick 5 qt. Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pork in batches and brown. Transfer pork to a bowl. Reduce heat to medium. In the drippings cook onion until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and continue cooking another minute. Add tomatoes with their juice, half of the cilantro, cumin, salt, coriander, ground cayenne and water. Heat to a simmer and stir in the pork. Cover and bake in the oven for 30 minutes or on the stovetop. Stir in the sweet potato chunks; cover and bake in the oven for 40 minutes longer until potatoes and pork are tender. Stir in the black beans and the rest of the fresh cilantro; cover and warm for 15 minutes or until heated through.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 340

Fat: 9g

Fiber:

 

 

 

Roast Loin of Pork Stuffed with Apricots and Dried Plums

Roast Loin of Pork Stuffed with Apricots and Dried Plums

1 boneless top loin pork roast (about 2 1/2 pounds)

5 ounces (about 16) dried pitted plums (prunes)

3 ounces (about 14) dried apricots

1/4 C. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

2 ribs celery, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks

1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 C. dry white wine

About 1/2 C. water

 

Remove the roast from the refrigerator 45 minutes before you plan to bake it. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350° F.  Stand the roast on one end and insert a thin-bladed knife down the center of the roast lengthwise, creating a tube like opening. Stuff the length of the roast with the dried fruits, alternating the plums and apricots. (If necessary, cut a slit at the other end of the roast, and stuff half of the fruit from one side of the roast and half of the fruit from the other side.)In a small bowl, combine the mustard, garlic powder, and pepper and mix well. Rub the roast all over with the mustard mixture. Arrange the carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Place the roast on top of the vegetables. Pour the wine over the top of the roast and then pour the water into the bottom of the pan, adding just enough to come up the sides of the vegetables but not touch the bottom of the roast. Roast the pork for 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat but away from the fruit registers 155°F. Transfer the roast to a carving board, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to set. Discard the vegetables and liquid in the pan. To serve, cut the roast into 1/2-inch-thick slices and arrange them, slightly overlapping, on a warmed platter.  Serves 6

Chef Katz’ Maple Pork Chops with Apricot and Sage Butter

Chef Katz’ Maple Pork Chops with Apricot and Sage Butter

For the Pork Chops

3 cups water

2 cups apple cider

½ cup maple syrup

4 tablespoons kosher salt, or 2 tablespoons table salt

2 cloves garlic, cracked with the heel of the hand

½ teaspoon black peppercorns

½ teaspoon fennel seed

½ teaspoon coriander seed

1 bay leaf

4 bone-in pork loin chops, about 1 ½ inch thick

olive oil as needed

 

For the Sage Butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons apricot preserves

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

½ teaspoon kosher salt

 

Combine all of the ingredients except the pork chops and olive oil in a saucepan and bring the contents to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and allow the brine to cool fully before proceeding. Place the pork chops in a non-reactive container (not aluminum or copper) such as a Pyrex dish, and pour the brine over. Cover the container with plastic or a tight-fitting lid, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 12 hours. While the meat is brining, make the apricot and sage butter. In a small bowl, work the softened butter together with the apricot preserves, sage and salt. Refrigerate in a small container, but allow the butter to come back to room temperature before using. Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Preheat a grill or broiler. Brush the chops with a scant coating of oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Grill or broil to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Rest the chops in a warm place for 3 to 5 minutes. Top each chop with a dollop of apricot sage butter just before serving. Serves 6

 

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Christmas Eve Hamballs

Christmas Eve Hamballs

1 lb. of lean pork, coarsely ground

1 lb. of lean ham, coarsely ground

2 eggs

2 cups of soft breadcrumbs (white baker bread, broken up by hand, crusts and centers)

1 cup of milk

1 teaspoon of salt

 

Glaze:

1/2 cup of cider vinegar

1/2 cup of water

1 1/2 cups of brown sugar

1 teaspoons of dry mustard

10 whole cloves

 

Glaze: Bring to a full, rapid boil. Mix ham ball ingredients together with hands. Form into 2 inch small egg size balls by squeezing tightly 4 times into shape. Place ham balls, side by side, in a glass/enamel baking dish. Pour the boiled glaze mixture over the ham balls, covering each one by spoon if necessary. Cover loosely with foil (don’t seal edges around pan). Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. 45 minutes on first side; turn each ham ball over. Spoon glaze over ham balls again. Bake 45 minutes on second side. During the last 30 minutes, remove foil and periodically spoon glaze mixture over the ham balls. Serves 6-8 people, 6-10 ham balls/person. Traditionally served with German potato salad and baked beans.

 

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Ham and Swiss Double Pinwheels

Ham and Swiss Double Pinwheels

1/4 lb cooked ham, cut into pieces (about 1/3 C.)

1 oz cream cheese (from 3-oz package), softened

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations refrigerated flaky dough sheet

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 C. shredded Swiss cheese (2 oz)

2 T. sliced green onions (2 medium)

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In food processor bowl with metal blade, process ham and cream cheese until smooth and well blended. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle; press into 13×8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; press into 13×8-inch rectangle. Spread ham mixture over rectangle. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese and onions. Starting with both short sides of rectangle, roll up both toward center. With serrated knife, cut into 16 slices; place cut side down on cookie sheet.  Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

BLT Pasta Bake: Bacon, Leeks, and Tomatoes

BLT Pasta Bake: Bacon, Leeks, and Tomatoes

Coarse salt

1 lb elbow macaroni

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

8 slices bacon, coarsely chopped

2 large leeks, trimmed of roots and dark green tops

coarse black pepper

3 T. unsalted butter

3 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. paprika

3 C. whole milk

1 C. chicken stock or broth

3 1/2 C. grated gruyere cheese

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 pint cherry tomatoes

3/4 C. plain breadcrumbs

 

Place a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. When the water reaches a boil, add some salt and the pasta, and cook until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and chopped bacon and cook until crisp. While bacon is cooking, split the trimmed leeks in half lengthwise, lay the leeks cut side down and thinly slice into half-moons. Fill a large bowl with water and mix the leeks into the water. Allow the water to settle and the dirt and the grit to settle to the bottle of the bowl. Using your hands, draw the leeks from the water, taking care not to unsettle the dirt. Drain the cleaned leeks on a kitchen towel, pat dry and, and then add to the pan with the bacon. Season the leeks with salt and pepper. Cook until leeks are tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. To start the cheese sauce, heat a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Add the butter and melt, then add the flour, cayenne, and paprika and whisk together over the heat until the roux bubbles; cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in the milk and stock and raise the heat a little. Bring the sauce to a quick boil and simmer to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in 3 C. of the grated cheese and the mustard. Set aside. Add the cherry tomatoes to the leeks and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and reserve. Preheat the broiler. Drain the pasta and add it back to the pasta pot. Combine the reserved leek mixture and the cheese sauce with the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Combine the remaining ½ C. of grated cheese with the bread crumbs. Top the pasta with the mixture. Place the dish under the broiler until the cheese melts and the bread crumbs are brown.

 

 

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Autumn Pork Chops with Roasted Shallots and Carrots

Autumn Pork Chops with Roasted Shallots and Carrots

 

12 medium shallots (peeled)

4 large carrots (peeled and cut into sticks 2 inches long)

1 quart water

Spray oil

1 medium white onion (diced)

1 15 oz. can white northern beans (drained and rinsed)

1 C. low sodium chicken stock

1/2 C. water

1/4 C. white wine

2 T. fresh rosemary leaves

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

4 4 oz. center cut pork chops (trimmed well of excess fat)

 

Preheat the oven to 325° F. Place the peeled shallots in a medium sauce pan and cover. It is best if the shallots don’t touch. Place the pan in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes while the sauce is cooking. Steam the carrots for about 8 – 10 minutes until only slightly soft. Remove and set aside. Lightly spray the bottom of a sauce pan with the oil. Place the pan over medium heat and add the onion. Cook slowly, reducing the heat if necessary, until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the beans, chicken stock, water, wine, rosemary, salt and pepper to the pan and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes until the beans are soft. (If you have a tea ball the rosemary leaves can be placed inside while the sauce is cooking making it easier to remove the herbs later.) Remove the rosemary leaves. Puree in blender or using a stick blender. About the time that the sauce is finished the shallots should be roasted. Remove the pan from the oven and set in a warm place. Increase the temperature of the oven to 400° F. Place two medium non-stick skillets in the oven and pre-heat them for about 10 minutes. Spray each pan lightly with oil and place the carrots in one and the pork chops in the other. Return the pans to the oven for roasting. The carrots should be tossed about every 4 minutes or so. Turn the pork chops at about 8 minutes and cook for 13 – 15 minutes. Place the shallots on a plate and top with carrots. Top the vegetables with 1/2 C. sauce per serving and then each plate with a pork chop.

 

 

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Grilled Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney

Grilled Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney

 

1/2 C. Rhubarb Chutney (recipe follows)

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

4 4-oz. boneless pork chops, 1/2 inch thick, trimmed (see Tips)

 pork

Prepare Rhubarb Chutney. Preheat grill to medium-high. Mix coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly on both sides of each pork chop, rubbing to coat the meat evenly. Lightly oil the grill rack (see Tips). Grill pork chops over medium-high heat until browned and just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve with chutney. Tips: If you can’t find thin pork chops, slice thick ones in half crosswise. To oil the grill rack: Dip a folded paper towel in a little canola oil; holding it with long-handled tongs, rub it over the grill rack.

 

Rhubarb Chutney

 

2 C. diced rhubarb

3/4 C. diced red apple

1/2 C. dried cranberries or cherries

1/4 C. finely chopped red onion

1/4 C. water

1/4 C. honey

1 tsp. minced fresh ginger

2 tsp. red-wine vinegar

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper, plus more to taste

 

Combine rhubarb, apple, cranberries (or cherries), onion, water, honey, ginger, vinegar and crushed red pepper to taste in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until rhubarb is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes more. Serve warm or cold.

Tang Cu Pai Gu – “Yeye’s Sweet and Sour Spareribs”

Tang Cu Pai Gu – “Yeye’s Sweet and Sour Spareribs”

Look for smaller ribs, as these will be more tender. Cut them up, between the rib bones, then across the bone again, to get small “riblet” pieces.

 P1020025

1 1/2 – 2 lb pork ribs, cut into 2-3″ in length

 

1 1/2 C. beef stock or broth

1″ piece ginger, sliced into rounds

1/2 water, optional

1/2 tsp. ground white pepper

2 whole star anise

1 tsp. chicken stock granules or MSG, optional

2 T. dark Chinkiang vinegar (Black Chinese Vinegar)

3 T. soy sauce

1/4 C. Shaoxing cooking wine

1/4 C. sugar

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 scallion, cut into thirds

 

Place the ribs in a large pot, fill with water, and set over high heat. Let the water come to a boil, and then turn down the heat to simmer for 1 hour (lid on of off). Drain ribs and lay them out on a large dish to dry up some more. Heat the oil in a wok to about 350F. In small batches, fry the ribs, about 1 minute. Drain any excess oil on paper towels. Pour the hot oil out from your wok, and give it a quick wipe down. To the wok, add all the ingredients for the Braising Liquid, except for the sugar. (You can add the optional 1/2 C. water, if you prefer more sauce.) Bring to a gentle boil, add the ribs, stir to coat, and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar, cover again, and cook over low heat for another 10-15 minutes until the liquid has turned thick and glossy, like a glaze. Turn the heat off and transfer the ribs to a serving dish.

 

 

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Tagliolini Gratinéed with Prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Tagliolini Gratinéed with Prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano

7 tbsp. butter

1⁄4 C. flour

2 C. hot milk

Salt and freshly ground white pepper

2 oz. 1⁄4″-thick sliced prosciutto, diced

3⁄4 lb. fresh spinach or egg tagliolini or linguine

1⁄2 C. freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, make a béchamel sauce by melting 4 tbsp. of the butter in a medium, heavy saucepan over low heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and gradually whisk in milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper, return pan to medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thick and smooth, 5–7 minutes. Remove pan from heat, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of sauce (to keep a skin from forming), and set aside. Preheat broiler and set rack about 4″ from the heat. Melt 1 tbsp. of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned and crispy, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking very slowly while pasta cooks. Season boiling water generously with salt, add pasta, and cook, stirring, until just tender, 1 1⁄2–2 minutes. Drain pasta, then add to skillet containing prosciutto. Add 1 tbsp. of the butter and 1⁄4 C. of the parmigiano-reggiano. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss to mix well. Spoon pasta into a 2-quart baking dish and tamp it down lightly with the back of a spoon so that its surface is even. Spoon béchamel over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1⁄4 C. parmigiano-reggiano. Cut remaining 1 tbsp. butter into small pieces and scatter over top. Place dish in oven and broil until golden and bubbling, 2–3 minutes. Serve with additional parmigiano-reggiano at the table, if you like.

 

 

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Smothered Pork Chops with Mushrooms

Smothered Pork Chops with Mushrooms

pan_fried_pork_chops_with_mushroom_gravy2 T. vegetable oil

4 center-cut pork chops with bone (about 8 oz. each), trimmed of fat

1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

2 medium celery ribs, washed and chopped

1/2 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 C.)

2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

10 oz. fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

3 T. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried

1 C. chicken broth

1 C.2 percent milk

Hot red pepper sauce to taste

 

In a large skillet, heat 1 T. of the oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Cook the chops until browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn and brown the other side, about 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 T. of oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking until they release their juices, the juices evaporate and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the flour and thyme over the vegetables and stir well. Stir in the chicken broth (or water) and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the pork chops and any juices on the plate to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork shows no signs of pink when pierced at the bone, about 25 minutes for 1-inch-thick chops. Remove chops to a serving platter. Season the sauce with hot red pepper sauce, increase the heat slightly and cook a few minutes more to thicken. Serve sauce over the chops.

 

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Candied Bacon wrapped Stuffed Pork

Candied Bacon wrapped Stuffed Pork

1/4 C. butter or margarine

8-oz. mushrooms, sliced

1 finely chopped small onion

1/4 C. chopped pecans or almonds

1/2 crushed seasoned croutons or bread crumbs

2 pork tenderloins, trimmed

Salt and pepper

8 thick slices lean bacon

1/2 C. brown sugar

1 to 2 tsp. coarsely cracked black pepper

 

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add mushrooms and onions and sauté until tender. Stir in nuts and bread crumbs and remove from heat. Place the tenderloins between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and beat with meat mallet or roll with rolling pin until flattened to 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread mushroom mixture evenly on one side of each tenderloin, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll up jellyroll fashion, starting with one long end.  Wrap 4 bacon slices around each tenderloin, and secure with wooden picks.  Place, seam sides down, on a lightly greased rack in a roasting pan. Rub generously and evenly with sugar and cracked pepper. Bake in 450-degree oven for 15 minutes, uncovered. Reduce temperature to 400-degrees and bake for 15 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 160-degrees.

 

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Bucatini Amatriciana With Bacon

Bucatini Amatriciana With Bacon

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 pound smoked bacon, sliced thin and diced small

4 cloves garlic, minced (1 heaping tablespoon)

1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup premium canned tomato sauce

1 cup premium crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound bucatini

4-ounce chunk percorino cheese for grating

 

Place eight quarts of water in a large pot, add the salt, and set over high heat. While the water heats, in a separate 12-inch sauté pan, cook the bacon over medium heat just until the fat is rendered and the bacon pieces are beginning to crisp. Don’t overcook them. While the bacon cooks, line a platter with paper towels. Remove the bacon from the pan and place on the prepared plate to drain. Pour out most of the bacon fat, reserving two tablespoons, which go back into the sauté pan. Add the onions to the pan. Sauté until brown, for five to six minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté just until the garlic is lightly browned and aromatic, two minutes or less. Pour in the tomato sauce and the crushed tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low, season with oregano, salt, and pepper and let simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld, 15 to 20 minutes. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta. Break the bucatini in half and place in the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water. Put the pasta back in the pot and pour the sauce over the pasta. Toss to combine, and add a little of the reserved pasta water if the pasta isn’t saucy enough. Divide the pasta among four to six warmed pasta bowls. Top with freshly grated pecorino cheese and serve immediately.

 

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