Pork Piquant
A savory pork dish with pineapple and sweet potatoes, featuring tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Buy a 4 pound loin or pork rib end and have your butcher bone and cut it into chops.
- You should have at least 9 thick chops from this amount.
- Cut excess fat from the chops; otherwise, the sauce will be greasy.
- Sear the chops until brown and place them in the bottom of a shallow 3-quart casserole dish.
- Season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add the crushed pineapple, pineapple chunks, sweet potatoes, and sliced onions to the dish.
- In a bowl, mix vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and prepared mustard to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the casserole.
- Cover and bake until the pork is tender and cooked through, approximately 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pork loin remains juicy, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F). For a sweeter sauce, consider adding a dash of honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. If fresh pineapple is available, using it can enhance the flavor greatly. You may also substitute sweet potatoes with carrots for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Piquant with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad dressed with John'S Cole Slaw Dressing can provide a nice contrast to the dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Andy'S Homemade Peas for a colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pork and sauce in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Piquant contains roughly 457 calories, with 6g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require more or less time to become tender.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and assemble it in the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I serve this dish with?
Pork Piquant pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli. For a festive touch, serve it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).