Go Green This St. Patrick's Day!

by: Jillian Michaels

source: Jillian Michaels.com

 

All right, guys, put down the shamrock shakes, corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and Irish soda bread. This St. Patrick's Day, I want you to give this HEALTHY green recipe a shot. Believe it or not, you can celebrate a holiday without blowing your calorie count! This hearty dish combines lean protein with sweet (and a little tart) Granny Smith apple to make your taste buds happy without messing with your hunger-hormone ghrelin.

Pork Chops With Apples and Thyme

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 16 ounces boneless pork loin chops, (4 4-ounce chops), 1/2 inch thick, trimmed of fat
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 medium Granny Smith apple (or any tart apple), peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup organic apple cider, or organic apple juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation

1. Mix 2 tablespoons broth and cornstarch in a small bowl.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chops and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

3. Reduce heat to medium-high and add onion to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until it starts to soften and brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Add apple and cook, stirring often, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining broth, cider (or juice), mustard, thyme and the cornstarch mixture.

5. Bring to a boil, stirring, until thickened and glossy, about 1 minute. Return the chops to the pan and heat through. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total time: 30 mins

Nutrition Facts
Number of Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 219
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 67 mg
Sodium: 108 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 24 g