Dinner is served, and it's: Pork!

Tonight's dinner is a staple in our household, and one of Keith's favorites. It's quick, nutritious, and, most importantly, easy to make. With two toddlers to bathe and get to bed, and a workout to fit in, dinner better be fast or we won't be eating until 9pm. Here's what you need and what to do. The ingredients are from Trader Joe's, but you can definitely find them elsewhere.


Package of thinly sliced pork loin chops (usually 5, 1/4 inch medallions per pack)

1/2 tsp allspice seasoning
1 tbsp chili powder
1/8 tsp salt
Non-stick cooking spray


1 1/2 tomatoes (Roma, vine-ripened, etc.)
Flat leaf parsley
1 medium lemon
1/4 cup Reduced-fat feta
1/2 medium cucumber (I like English cucumbers but hothouse are fine, too)


Long grain or brown rice.


Here's what to do:


First, start cooking rice according to package (usually takes around 25 minutes so don't start pork until rice has been on the stove for 20 minutes; once it's ready, it can sit, covered, while you finish pork)


Once rice is on well on its way, mix together the chili powder, allspice and salt in a little bowl. Coat large skillet/frying pan with non-stick cooking spray and turn on to medium heat. Generously sprinkle cumin mix on one side of pork chops and place, mix side down, on the pan. Sprinkle cumin mix on top side of pork chops. Cook each side for 2-2 1/2 minutes, depending on thickness (pork should not be overcooked - best when served medium, slightly pink in the middle ). If chops are 1/4 inch thick, 2 minutes on each side should be plenty. If they're a little thicker, opt for 2 1/2 minutes. Remember that they'll continue to cook once you remove them from the pan. Also, use forceps to turn them. Puncturing any meat with a knife or fork releases the juice and can dry it out before eating.


While pork is cooking, dice tomatoes, cucumber, and chop 2 tablespoons of parsley. Combine all into a bowl and squeeze entire lemon over mix. Add feta, and salt and pepper to taste.

Place pork chops on plates (2 medallions for medium portion; approx. 5 oz meat, 3 for large; approx. 8 oz meat) and serve heaping spoonfuls of cucumber mix over meat (the more, the better!). Eat with rice and, to really enjoy the meal, a glass of red wine (but that's optional, of course).

Bon Appetit!