July 2, 2020 ~ A trend is occurring with this pork chop and tater tot theme we have going. Kate has been contributing to our food supply with a monthly ButcherBox shipment. It is sometimes hit or miss with what is available. Chicken breasts were difficult to get for a bit so she filled in with the other white meat, pork chops. The chops have been a solid replacement in terms of flavor. They do require more attention when cooking than chicken breasts. For example, searing them seems to be a good technique to lock in the juices. This is not necessarily so for chicken breasts. In fact, typically I will cook chicken breasts in a baking dish in the oven. I put some broth, and balsamic light salad dressing over them, maybe some sundried tomatoes, maybe Italian sauce on Tom’s, and the dressing just on mine. I cook them for about 35 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees. It’s lazy, easy, and tasty. Though I am still sold on pork chops as an alternative they do need more tender loving care.
The kabob dinner was mine to make. The marinade for the pork was outstanding. I cut up the chops into chunks and onion as well then sit them in the marinade for an hour. I know, it should have been hours, but I forgot. The weather was perfect for kayaking so we lit out of the house in the early afternoon without giving it a second thought. Based on Tom cleaning his plate I would say an hour in the marinade was just fine.
This is the recipe: https://natashaskitchen.com/grilled-pork-shish-kabobs-shashlik/
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 lb pork tenderloin trimmed and cut into 1 1/2″ pieces – I used two pork chops instead
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red onion cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley to garnish optional
I used wood skewers and wasn’t crazy about them. The metal ones would be better because they will hold the heat and helped to cook the meat and they are easier to turn.
The sides were tater tots and all the fresh summer vegetables I could put my hands on.
Hands-down, good meal. It was light in calories, and tasty. Worked out well for diabetic Tom and easier than most foods for ALS Tom since no cutting was involved.
It was a good low-calorie meal as well as coming in at 469 per serving.
Until the next time!