Southwest Pork Chops with Spicy Pumpkin Sauce

Times:

Prep Time: 10 minutes prep, Cook Time: 20 minutes cook

Ingredients:

4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1 8-oz jar salsa
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 plum tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Directions:

 In medium saucepan combine pumpkin, chipotle, salsa, cheese and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture almost boils. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In small bowl stir together brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper; sprinkle evenly over pork chops. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops; cook 8-10 minutes, until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3-minute rest time.

To serve spoon about 1/3 cup pumpkin mixture over bottom of four plates; top with pork chops. Garnish with tomatoes and cilantro.

Serves 4.

Wine Suggestion: Try a chilled dry Riesling or a Gewurztraminer; or chilled beer.

Serving Suggestions:

This colorful and flavorful dish gets its inspiration from the Southwest, using native squash, smoked jalapeno (chipotle) and favorite spices from this region. Serve with cornbread and green beans in a vinaigrette dressing.

Nutrition:

Calories: 250 calories
Protein: 32 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Sodium: 580 milligrams
Cholesterol: 85 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 12 grams

Recipe from PorkBeInspired.com