Lean Pork Chop with Sweet Potato and Green Beans

Ingredients

• Lean pork chop 6 oz
• Sweet potato 1 large
• Green beans 1.5 cups
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder 1/4 tsp

Method

1. Preheat oven and prepare sweet potato. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potato thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat dry with a paper towel. Then, pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
   Tip: Piercing the sweet potato helps it cook evenly and prevents it from bursting in the oven.
2. Roast the sweet potato. Place the pierced sweet potato on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
   Tip: Check tenderness by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily.
3. Prepare green beans for steaming. While the sweet potato roasts, wash the green beans and trim the ends. Set up a steamer basket over boiling water in a pot, making sure the water does not touch the beans.
   Tip: If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a colander that fits inside a pot.
4. Steam the green beans. Place the green beans in the steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp and bright green.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking to preserve nutrients and vibrant color.
5. Season the pork chop. Pat the pork chop dry with paper towels. Rub both sides lightly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder for extra flavor.
   Tip: Drying the pork chop helps achieve a nice sear.
6. Cook the pork chop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chop and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
   Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Let the pork rest for 3 minutes after cooking.
7. Plate and serve. Slice the roasted sweet potato into rounds or halves. Arrange the pork chop, sweet potato, and steamed green beans on a plate. Optionally drizzle a little olive oil over the green beans for extra flavor.
   Tip: Resting the meat allows juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy.

Pro tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked safely and remains juicy.
• Roast the sweet potato whole for a simple method, or cube it for faster cooking with a slightly different texture.