According to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, studies have shown that eating together as a family can improve communication and relationships, which is especially important during times of uncertainty and the more difficult moments in life.
Great-tasting foods like pork and legumes can be combined to bring families together on a quality diet that will help the body survive and thrive.
Legumes are the nutritiously dense, edible seeds of legumes, including dry peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Together with pork, this pairing provides essential nutrients to support weight management and immune function, as well as plenty of protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids – fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and folic acid.
As part of the Powerful Pairings Initiative launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses to promote the pairing of whole foods to bring flavor, balance, and nutrition to the center of the plate, this recipe for Green Chili Jack promotes Smash Burgers a nutritious diet way to enjoy fresh taste.
Green Chili Jack Smash Burger
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Puls
4 tablespoons of red onion, scrubbed with a vegetable brush under running water and finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder
2 teaspoons of ancho chili powder
1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, drained
1 teaspoon salt plus additional to taste
1 large onion, scrubbed with a vegetable brush under running water and cut into thin slices
Charred Green Chili Mayo:
1 can (3 oz) of diced green chilies
2 spring onions, carefully rubbed under cold running water and finely chopped
1/4 cup coriander, rubbed gently under cold running water and chopped
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
1/2 lettuce, rubbed gently under cold running water
In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, onion, garlic, and chili powder. Add black-eyed peas and salt; mix well. Shape into four loosely packed balls and store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
How to Make Caramelized Onions: In a large pan over medium heat, warm butter.
Add onions, water and salt; cook, stir until the onions are tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
How to Make Charred Green Chili Mayo: Place green chilies in a hot cast iron pan over medium heat.
Cook, rotate, until the chilies soften and turn black. Remove from heat and place in a small bowl.
Add mayonnaise, garlic, and lime juice; Whisk for mixing. Add green onions and coriander; stir well and cool.
Prepare the burger: Heat the cast iron or non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Put porkballs on a hot pan; Flatten with a heavy metal spatula. Season to taste with salt. Cook about 3 minutes; Turn and cook for 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 F.
Lightly toast the rolls. Place each burger on a toasted bun with a slice of cheese, caramelized onion, charred green chili mayo, avocado, and lettuce.
