(Family Features) Joining loved ones at the family table is an important moment for many, both as a filling way to enjoy a meal and an emotionally satisfying way to catch up on all the day’s events. Make those moments count by combining nutritious ingredients and creating recipes that can quickly become favorites.
As part of the Powerful Pairings initiative – launched by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, National Pork Board and USA Pulses – these recipes call for pulses, which include lentils, chickpeas dry peas, and beans; sorghum, similar to rice or quinoa filled with nutrients, texture, and taste; and pork, rich in flavor, versatile and sustainable with nutritious qualities.
Combined, these three ingredients can work together in sweet and savory dishes alike, and they shine with a multitude of herbs, spices, and sauces from around the world. A powerhouse nutritional trio, they include foods from the protein, vegetable, and grain groups outlined in MyPlate, a template for balance, variety, and moderation.
Plus, the taste and versatility of these ingredients make it easier to achieve more family meals, which promotes cohesion, communication, and relationships, helping loved ones celebrate simple joys together and be more prepared for uncertainty and difficult life moments.
Find more information, resources, and recipes at powerfulpairings.com.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with Pork Skewers
Recipe courtesy of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Prep time: 45 minutes, plus 2 hours marinate time
Cook time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 (1 pork skewer, 2/3 cup sorghum, 2 tablespoons hummus)
Red Lentil Hummus:
1 1/3 cups water
1/3 cup dried red lentils
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces pork loin roast, trimmed of fat
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 sweet onion, chopped
3 cups no-salt-added chicken stock
3/4 cup whole-grain sorghum, rinsed and drained
1 cup canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed, drained, and dried with paper towels
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup arugula
1 cup chopped cucumber
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup kalamata olives
To make Red Lentil Hummus: In a small saucepan, combine water and dried red lentils; bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes, or until lentils split and become soft. Cool and transfer to a food processor. Add olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper; process 30-60 seconds, or until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Transfer to airtight container and store in refrigerator up to 5 days until serving time.
Cut pork loin into 1-inch cubes. Place in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour half olive oil mixture over the meat, reserving the remaining half. Seal bag; turn to coat meat. Marinate in refrigerator 2 hours, turning bag occasionally.
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, cook and stir 6-8 minutes, or until tender. Add stock and bring to boil. Add sorghum. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 45-60 minutes, or until sorghum is tender, stirring occasionally.
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Arrange chickpeas on a foil-lined 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan. Drizzle with reserved olive oil mixture; toss to coat. Roast 20-30 minutes, or until chickpeas are toasted and crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and increase oven to 500 F.
Drain meat, discarding marinade. Divide among six wooden or metal skewers. Arrange skewers on a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake 10 minutes, or until meat is slightly pink in the center, turning once halfway through.
To serve, divide cooked sorghum between six shallow bowls. Top with tomatoes, arugula, cucumber, feta cheese, olives, chickpeas, and Red Lentil Hummus. Serve with pork skewers.
Nutritional information per serving: 505 calories; 28 g total fat (8 g saturated fat); 14 mg cholesterol; 528 mg sodium; 43 g total carbohydrates (8 g dietary fiber, 6 g sugars); 23 g protein; 1% vitamin D; 15% calcium; 19% iron; 16% potassium; 361 mg phosphorus (29%).
Source: Powerful Pairings
