Meal Plan for Roast Pork Loin
Updated April 25, 2014.
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For tonight's dinner, I've picked out a roast pork loin, flavored with garlic and other seasonings, so it doesn't need any extra sauce or stuffing. Sweet potatoes accompany the pork loin, and I've found recipes for pan roasted asparagus and a salad. Each recipe comes from the Food Channel at About.com.
Serve tonight's meal family style, or load the plates first. If you serve dinner by the plate, I suggest one portion of pork loin (about the size of a deck of cards), one sweet potato, lots of asparagus and salad (asparagus and salad should cover about half the plate).
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and other nutrients. That's true of most colorful vegetables, but I think the sweet flavor of this side dish complements the pork loin. You'll need a medium-sized sweet potato for each person.
Asparagus has such a nice texture as long as it isn't over cooked, so I chose this recipe because you don't boil your asparagus first.
And since you'll need room in your oven for the pork loin and sweet potatoes, it helps that your asparagus is roasted in a frying pan.
If you want dessert, I suggest chocolate chip cookies. Just one or two each, with coffee.
Here's what you'll need to have on hand for tonight's meal, enough to serve four people:
Sign up to get my healthy family meal ideas sent to you by email. You'll receive a new meal idea every day.
For tonight's dinner, I've picked out a roast pork loin, flavored with garlic and other seasonings, so it doesn't need any extra sauce or stuffing. Sweet potatoes accompany the pork loin, and I've found recipes for pan roasted asparagus and a salad. Each recipe comes from the Food Channel at About.com.
Serve tonight's meal family style, or load the plates first. If you serve dinner by the plate, I suggest one portion of pork loin (about the size of a deck of cards), one sweet potato, lots of asparagus and salad (asparagus and salad should cover about half the plate).
Tonight's Entree - Roast Pork Loin
Pork is an excellent source of protein, zinc, magnesium and selenium. A pork loin is easy to roast, and this recipe comes from our Culinary Arts Guide at About.com. It takes about an hour to cook the pork loin, so you'll have plenty of time to make your sides.Side Dishes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and other nutrients. That's true of most colorful vegetables, but I think the sweet flavor of this side dish complements the pork loin. You'll need a medium-sized sweet potato for each person.
Asparagus has such a nice texture as long as it isn't over cooked, so I chose this recipe because you don't boil your asparagus first.
And since you'll need room in your oven for the pork loin and sweet potatoes, it helps that your asparagus is roasted in a frying pan.
Add a Salad
Salads are great because they add interest to a meal with a change of temperature and texture. I don't like to make a salad too complicated, so I think this simple arugula salad is the perfect addition to this meal.Complete Your Meal
This meal is ready to go, but you can add a few slices of whole grain bread with a bit of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to use as a dip. Pour a small amount of olive oil into small bowls, sprinkle pepper and the cheese on top and serve alongside the bread. Serve with water or your favorite healthy beverage.If you want dessert, I suggest chocolate chip cookies. Just one or two each, with coffee.
Shopping List
Here's what you'll need to have on hand for tonight's meal, enough to serve four people:
- boneless center-cut pork loin
- sweet potatoes
- asparagus
- arugula
- lemon juice
- maple syrup
- butter
- garlic
- chopped walnuts
- olive oil
- fresh sage
- fresh rosemary
- fresh thyme
- nutmeg
- salt and pepper
- vegetable spray
- low-fat milk, water, or your favorite beverage, plus regular or decaf coffee for dessert
- chocolate chip cookie dough (or make these low-fat chocolate chip cookies)