Amelia’s Italian Pork Pita Pockets

Meal Ideas

Party with Pork

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

8 boneless pork chops, thin, about 2 ounces each
2 green bell peppers, each cut into 8 lengthwise strips
2 portabello mushrooms, cut into 8 slices
1 large red onion, cut into 8 wedges, separagted
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, crushed
1 teaspoon fennel seed
8 pita pocket bread halves
4 slices mozzarella cheese, (2 ounce each), low-fat, part skim, cut in half

Heat oven to broil. Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange pork chops and vegetables in a single layer on baking pan. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and fennel seed. Brush mixture on both sides of pork. Broil 5 to 6 inches from heat for about 5-6 minutes, or until pork has internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3-minute rest time and vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove from oven; divide pork and vegetables among pita pocket breads. Add 1 slice of cheese to each sandwich.

Makes 8 sandwiches (4 servings).

What better way to eat your vegetables than from an Italian-inspired pita sandwich? Use different colored bell peppers for a festive look. Serve with Jicama Salad with Chile and Lime and fresh sliced tomatoes.

Calories: 188 calories
Protein: 21 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Sodium: 280 milligrams
Cholesterol: 75 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 21 grams

Random Cooking Tip:

When you are in a hurry—turn to cuts that cook up quickly, such as chops, tenderloins and cutlets.

Ratings

Buying/Handling/Storing Tip:

The best way to defrost pork is in the refrigerator in its wrapping. Defrosting a 1 inch chop will take 12-14 hours.

Other Pork Buying/Handling/Storing Tips

Ask Your Butcher
It’s important to note that all pork chops cook the same. The length of cooking primarily depends on the thickness of the chop. Thickness can vary from ½ to 2 inches. Whether you choose chops boneless for convenience or chops with the bone attached for their attractive appearance, the cooking time is the same. Pork chops are likely the least intimidating of all pork cuts because they are so easy to prepare.
More Butcher Tips

About the Cut
Pork chops are the most popular cut from the pork loin, which is the strip of meat that runs from the pig’s hip to shoulder. Depending on where they originate, pork chops can be found under a variety of names, including loin, rib, sirloin, top loin and blade chops.
Learn About the Pork Cuts

Cooking Method: Broiling

COOKING BASICS:
1)	Place pork on preheated broiler pan so it is three to five inches from the heat source.
2)	Broil until the pork is brown on one side; turn and broil the other side until brown.
3)	Season as desired.

More about this cooking method