For the Love of Food
Make taste and nutrition a priority for family meals According to the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,” studies have proven that eating meals together as a family can improve communication and relationships, which is especially important during times of uncertainty and life’s more difficult moments. Great-tasting foods like pork and pulses can be combined to bring families together with quality nutrition, which helps bodies survive and thrive. Pulses are the nutritionally dense, edible seeds of legumes including dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Together with pork, this pairing provides critical nutrients to support weight management and immune function, along with plenty of protein – providing all nine essential amino acids – fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and folate. As part of the Powerful Pairings initiative, launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses in an effort to promote pairing whole foods to bring taste, balance and nutrition to the center of the plate, these recipes for Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers, Cuban Black Beans and Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy encourage a nutritious way to enjoy fresh taste. Find more information, resources and recipes at powerfulpairings.com.
Cuban Black Beans Recipe courtesy of Carolina Molea on behalf of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses Serving: 6 Ingredients: 1 quart water
2 slices bacon, diced
1 green bell pepper, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced, divided
1/2 Spanish onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions: Fill large pot with water. Add 1/2 diced green pepper, two garlic cloves, beans and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour. In skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add bacon; cook, turning, until bacon starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add remaining green pepper and onion; cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Chop remaining garlic cloves. Add to skillet with oregano, cumin and black pepper. Stir 1 minute. Pour in vinegar, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon. 16 | CROSSROADS | SEPTEMBER 2020
