Mid Eastern Pork Tenderloin: Quick, Easy and Freakin’ Fabulous

Just like yesterday, today we’re sharing another one of our fave healthy recipes in celebration of our birthday and the New Year!

A girl’s gotta eat, and this girl likes to eat well. Fortunately, I possess the skill set to make just about anything my little heart desires, but unfortunately I don’t always have the time or the inclination to spend an hour in the kitchen. So, what’s a girl to do?
She makes Pork Medallions with Cinnamon Couscous and Mango Chutney!
Now, just because something sounds fancy, that doesn’t mean it takes a lot of effort to prepare. With just three ingredients, (okay, a couple more if you count the spices), and 15 minutes (that’s less than the time it takes to bake something out of a frozen box), you too can be feasting on something utterly delicious and wonderfully different.
The foods and flavors of the Mid East are hot right now, and I’m not talking habanero hot. The unusual mid eastern spice combination found in this easy dish is a great way to get acquainted with this trendy fare. Cumin and cinnamon are tops on the spice list from the region, and hello, couscous just sounds exotic; be sure to get a bite with all the flavors to get the most bang for your buck.
It doesn’t take a culinary degree to make dinner spectacular. You just need the right recipe and a wee bit of time. Look for mango chutney in the ethnic aisle of your grocery store; throw in a tossed salad or on a green vegetable and call it good. Healthy, easy, interesting and just downright tasty — this recipe fits the bill in so many ways.

Pork Medallions with Cinnamon Couscous and Mango Chutney Recipe

Mix together 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 ¼ teaspoons pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Slice a 1-pound, well-trimmed pork tenderloin into ¾ inch thick pieces. Rub the spice mixture over both sides of the medallions and place on your broiler pan.

Broil under high flame for 8 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees, turning once during the cooking time.
For the couscous, bring 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to a boil. Stir in 1½ cups couscous. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for five minutes. (You may have to adjust the water for your brand of couscous.)
Serve with mango chutney and be prepared to fall in love with your next healthy obsession.

How much time do you typically spend making dinner? —Karen