Cilantro Makes It All Better

I know this is supposed to be a blog about parenting - but parents gotta eat too! So I want to share two of my new favorite recipes: Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Lime Sauce and Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa. Both of which are super easy, include common ingredients and will supply you with some yummy lunch leftovers.

I LOVE cilantro - it smells like summer to me and tastes oh so fresh. I would eat cilantro ice cream if someone made it. And I've been super intrigued about making some quinoa recipes - so this one is perfection. If you haven't heard of quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) it is similar to a grain, and cooked like a grain - but is actually a seed and is high in protein, calcium and iron. In other words - a super healthy alternative to plain old white rice! This quinoa recipe can be made ahead of time and tastes great at room temperature. And the sauce for the pork recipe also works great over grilled tuna steaks - which is what Jon and I did this time around and is pictured.

Black-Bean and Tomato Quinoa

From Gourmet | July 2007

Yield: Makes 4 (side dish) servings Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes 2 teaspoons grated lime zest 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup quinoa 1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 2 medium tomatoes, diced 4 scallions, chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. Per serving: 382 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated), 15 mg cholesterol, 446 mg sodium, 55 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 14 g protein

Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Lime Sauce

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
6 (1/2-inch-thick) boneless pork chops

Whisk together lime juice, garlic, red-pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking well. Whisk in cilantro.

Prepare a gas grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat. Pat pork dry and season with salt and pepper. Oil grill rack, then grill pork chops, covered, turning over once, until just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes total. Serve drizzled with some vinaigrette, and with remainder on the side.

Cooks' note:
If you aren't able to grill outdoors, chops can be cooked in a hot lightly oiled large (2-burner) ridged grill pan over moderately high heat.

Per serving: 236 calories, 16 g fat (3 g saturated), 1 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 22 g protein, 40 mg sodium, 65 mg cholesterol

And if you're in the mood for a summery fresh and bikini-friendly cocktail - my new favorite is Miller 64 Calorie beer. Stick a lime in it and it tastes just like a Corona - but at 1/2 the calories! Bon Appetit and Cheers!!