Pork and Veggies

Smoky Pork Chops with Maque Choux-Style Vegetables

A traditional dish of Southern Louisiana with Cajun and Native American influences, maque choux (pronounced “mock shoe”) consists of corn, tomatoes, peppers and onions, braised in bacon grease and then simmered in chicken broth until very tender. Our modern variation offers a lighter, crisper combination of vegetables sans the grease, allowing you to truly experience the fresh flavors.

By Nancy S. Hughes | Photo: Yvonne Duivenvoorden

Serves: 4
Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano 
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 4 5-oz bone-in pork chops, trimmed of 
• visible fat
• 1 tbsp safflower oil, divided
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed and patted dry
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, onion powder, ¼ tsp salt and black pepper. Sprinkle pork with spice mixture. Heat 1 tsp oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high, tilting skillet to coat bottom lightly, and cook pork for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until slightly pink in center. Transfer pork to a serving platter; cover to keep warm. 
2. Prepare vegetables: Return skillet to medium-high. Add remaining 2 tsp oil and tilt skillet to coat bottom lightly. Add corn, onion, bell pepper and jalapeño. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are translucent, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes, until tomatoes are just tender. Remove from heat, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp salt, cover and let stand for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve vegetable mixture over top of pork or vice versa, as desired.

Nutrients per serving (3 oz pork and 1/2 cup vegetables): Calories: 282, Total Fat: 10 g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5 g, Carbs: 13 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g, Protein: 33 g, Sodium: 328 mg, Cholesterol: 79 mg