Few foodies would admit to using a microwave all that often. But busy weeknights call for some shortcuts, and microwaves can be a home cook鈥檚 best friend on those evenings when time is of the essence.
Cooking with a microwave need not be limited to frozen dinners. Take, for example, this recipe for 鈥淚talian Pork Chops鈥� from 鈥淚ncredibly Easy Italian鈥� (Publications International, Ltd.). Easily prepared in less than 30 minutes, this meal combines homecooking with a shortcut that can make it easy to serve a delicious, hot meal on weeknights when parents or busy professionals simply don鈥檛 have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Italian Pork Chops
Serves 4
2聽聽 聽cups uncooked long-grain
聽聽 聽white rice
4聽聽 聽large pork chops
1聽聽 聽teaspoon basil, crushed
1聽聽 聽26-ounce can Del Monte庐
聽聽 聽Spaghetti Sauce with
聽聽 聽Mushrooms or Chunky Italian
聽聽 聽Herb Spaghetti Sauce
1聽聽 聽green bell pepper, cut into thin
聽聽 聽strips
聽聽 聽Salt for seasoning (if desired)
聽聽 聽Black pepper for seasoning
聽聽 聽(if desired)
1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle meat with basil; season with salt and black pepper, if desired. Place meat on broiler pan. Broil 4 inches from heat, about 6 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in center.
3. Combine sauce and green pepper in microwavable dish. Cover with plastic wrap; slit to vent. Microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes, or until green pepper is tender-crisp and sauce is heated through. Add meat; cover with sauce. Microwave for 1 minute. Serve over hot rice.
