Spicy Pork Chops with Scallion Rice

All righty, enough of those fattening lovey-dovey recipes, we are back to our attempts at livin' healthy! And yes, that is MEAT. Meat can be healthy in moderation. Even pork.

Spicy Pork Chops with Scallion Rice

1 cup of ready to cook brown rice

1 tsp ground Aleppo pepper or 1/8 tsp cayenne

1 tsp salt

3/4 tsp of coarsely ground black pepper

4 1/4lb boneless pork loin chops, about 1/2 thick

2 scallions, finely chopped

1/4 cup finely shredded fresh basil

grated zest of one lemon

Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, microwave the rice according to the package directions and keep warm.

Mix the Aleppo pepper, 1/2 tsp of the salt, and 1/2 tsp of the black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the pepper mixture on both sides of the pork.

Add the pork to the skillet and cook until an instant-read thermometer into the side of a chop registers, 160 degrees F, 2-3 minutes each side.

Stir in scallions, basil, lemon zest, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper into the rice. Serve at once with the pork.

1 pork chop with 1/2 cup of rice = 255 calories, 9 G fat, 3 G fiber

Notes: YUM! This recipe does not call for any oil, the idea is to sear the pork chop, but I found that adding a little cooking spray to the cast iron keeps it from sticking:)