Dietitian Spotlight: Baked Apple Pork Chops and Green Beans

This recipe for baked apple pork chops with green beans is a quick and easy meal that combines so many delicious fall flavors. A change in seasons brings a whole new assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. This include grapes, pears, butternut squash, turnips and new crop apples! If you’re looking for a little inspiration and a great way to enjoy crisp and sweet new crop apples, this recipe has everything you’ll need to satisfy your cravings.

Apples are obviously a great option for snacking and a great addition to any lunchbox because they provide important fiber, vitamins and minerals, but they also make a great, healthy addition to your dinners. A 2013 study by Harvard School of Public Health found that people who eat apples regularly had a 23% reduced risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Apples are also considered to be low on the glycemic index which measures how different foods impact blood sugar levels. This means that a medium sized apple can have lasting positive effects on your blood sugar levels. So, an apple a day really does keep the doctor away!

Apples are only part of what makes this recipe healthy and delicious. It also includes a good source of lean protein. Including 25-30 grams of lean protein in each meal will help keep you full and satisfied longer throughout the day. Quick, easy and healthy - pretty much everything you could need from a family dinner!

Baked Apple Pork Chops and Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 4 (8-ounce) pork chops, bone-in, 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 16 ounces green beans, trimmed

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Rub both sides of the pork chops with sage; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add to the skillet and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Place pork chops and green beans in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle green beans with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic; season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Place into oven and roast until the pork is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 12-15 minutes.

4. Return skillet to medium high heat and melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples just begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in maple syrup, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Serve pork chops immediately, topped with apple mixture, garnished with parsley, if desired.