Island Pork Steaks

This recipe originally called for chicken breasts but since we have been eating a lot of chicken lately, I thought I would substitute using pork steaks.  The sweet-sour bite to these really went well with the Citrus Black Beans and Tomatoes  that I posted last week.  I served it on a bed of white rice.  The pineapple glaze really worked quite well with the richness of the pork.

Island Pork Steaks

4     6-8 ounce pork steaks

2     teaspoons olive oil

2 1/4  teaspoons Jerk seasoning; divided

       Salt

1     20 ounce can pineapple slices; reserve juice

1     tablespoon brown sugar

1.  Preheat grill or cast iron grill pan to medium-high heat.

2.  Remove any excess fat from pork and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Use a pastry brush to brush with olive oil and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons jerk seasoning and salt, if desired. Set aside.

3.  Drain pineapple slices and reserve juice. Season both sides of pineapple slices with 1/2 teaspoon of jerk seasoning; set aside.

4.  In small saucepan, bring reserved pineapple juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon jerk seasoning, and brown sugar to a boil over high heat. Reduce liquid by 1/2, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

5.  Just before grilling, oil grate. Place pork steaks on grate and grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove to platter and tent with foil.

6.  Place pineapple slices on grate and grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side until grill marks appear and pineapple is heated through.

7.  Serve pork steaks with pineapple slices and warm sauce.

Citrus Black Beans and Tomatoes

As most of you know, the blog has been rather quiet for about a month.  Since we have been dieting and exercising, the posts have been minimal because I have not been cooking anything exciting.  

With our trip to Greece is nearly here and I am happy to say we have both lost 40 pounds each.  That being said, I am going to try and take a slightly healthier approach to cooking and the recipes that I will be posting.  Don't get me wrong.  We still love our bacon, sweets, and home cooking.  We are now just cooking and eating that food in moderation.

This first recipe, is for a black bean dish that I saw on an episode of Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee.  The episode focused on Caribbean food.  This was the side dish to Jerk Chicken/Pork.  I hope you enjoy!

Citrus Black Beans and Tomatoes

1     15-ounce can black beans; rinsed and drained

1     10-ounce can diced tomatoes with chiles and sauce

1     tablespoon lime juice

1     teaspoon crushed garlic

1/2  cup chopped onion

1/4  cup cilantro; chopped

Directions:

1.  Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.  Stir thoroughly.

2.  Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

3.  Place in serving dish and serve hot.