These pork chops will bring the flavors of the tropics to your dinner table.
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes (not counting the time it takes to heat the grill).
Pork Chops With Grilled Pineapple Salsa
4 (4-ounce) boneless pork loin chops, about 1/2-inch thick
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning blend
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced (see notes)
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons seeded and minced jalapeno pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, or to taste
3/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger OR ginger paste (see note)
Ground black pepper, to taste
Prepare grill for medium-high heat.
Rub chops with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Coat with cooking spray. Coat pineapple slices with cooking spray.
Grill chops and pineapple slices, with grill lid closed, 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees (or to desired doneness) and pineapple is golden. Let pork stand 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop the pineapple. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pineapple with the cilantro, shallots, jalapeno, lime juice and ginger. Mix well. Season to taste with black pepper and additional lime juice.
Serve salsa spooned over chops.
Makes 4 servings.
Notes: If you don't want to buy a whole fresh pineapple, peeled, cored pineapple is available in the refrigerated case in the produce section at some grocery stores.
Look for ginger paste such as Garden Gourmet with the fresh herbs.
Nutrition information: Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, 22 g protein, 6 g fat, 17 g carbohydrate, 66 mg cholesterol, 316 mg sodium and 2 g fiber.
Dietary exchanges: 4 lean meat,1 fruit.
Recipe adapted from Southern Living The Slim Down South Cookbook
Food on 03/19/2014