Cranberry Maple Pork Chops with Caraway Fettuccine and Broccoli

About the Recipe

I wanted a festive meal for this time of year but was very busy. So, I created this easy colorful dinner. The pork is cooked in a skillet and is removed, and the sauce is made in the same skillet. The sauce takes only about 6 to 7 minutes to make.

Key Ingredients

* 3/4 pound boneless center loin pork chop (about 1-inch thick)
* 1 bottle balsamic vinegar
* 1 package cranberries
* 1 bottle maple syrup
* 1 box fettuccine
* 1/4 pound broccoli florets
* 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
* Salt and black peppercorns

Cranberry Maple Pork Chops

This recipe serves two people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

• Remove visible fat from pork. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Brown pork for 5 minutes, turn and salt and pepper cooked side. Brown the second side for 5 minutes and remove to a plate. A meat thermometer should read 145 degrees.
• Add 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to the skillet and scrape up any brown bits in the skillet. Add 1 cup fresh cranberries and 3 tablespoons maple syrup. Stir to combine the ingredients. The cranberries will burst (pop). Mash them with a spoon and stir to make a thick sauce, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Divide the pork in two portions and place on two dinner plates. Spoon the sauce on top.

Per serving: 377 calories (22 percent from fat), 8.9 g fat (1.9 g saturated, 3.3 g monounsaturated), 96 mg cholesterol, 41.0 g protein, 30.3 g carbohydrates, 2.0 g fiber, 159 mg sodium.

Caraway Scented Fettuccine and Broccoli

This recipe serves two people and takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

• Bring a large pot three quarters full of water to a boil. Add 1/4 pound fettuccine and boil 5 minutes. Add 1/4 pound broccoli florets, about 3 cups, and continue to boil for 4 minutes.
• Remove 1/4 cup pasta water to a bowl and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Then drain the pasta and broccoli and add to the bowl.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Serve with the pork.

Per serving: 178 calories (16 percent from fat), 4.9 g fat (0.7 g saturated, 1.9 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 11.6 g protein, 48.5 g carbohydrates, 5.0 g fiber, 35 mg sodium.

Conclusion

This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want to create a festive meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The cranberry maple sauce and caraway seeds add a delicious and unique flavor to the pork and fettuccine. You can easily adjust the amount of cranberries and maple syrup to your taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh cranberries. Just thaw them first and pat dry with a paper towel.

Q: Can I substitute the fettuccine with spaghetti?
A: Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with spaghetti, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Q: Can I make the cranberry maple sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cranberry maple sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days.