Honey-Mustard Pork with Spinach & Smashed White Beans

This 30-minute meal provides all the protein, vegetables, fiber, and healthy fat that you need for complete nutrition. Tender pork is drizzled with a sweet honey-mustard sauce and served with spinach and garlicky, spicy smashed beans. Cannellini beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and minerals. They are a great low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. Pork tenderloin is a terrific lean protein source and spinach is rich in immune-boosting vitamins A & C.

Makes: 4 servings
Time to cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

· 1 ¼ pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed

· ½ teaspoon salt, divided

· ½ teaspoon ground pepper

· 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

· 1 pound mature spinach, chopped

· 2 cloves garlic, minced

· 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh sage

· ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

· 2 (15ounce) cans low-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed

· ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided

· 3 tablespoons honey

· 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Season pork with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook, turning often, until browned on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes total. Transfer the pan to the oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 145 degrees F, 12 to 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add spinach and 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; cover to keep warm.

4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the pot over medium heat. Add garlic, sage and crushed red pepper; cook for 30 seconds. Add beans, 1/2 cup broth and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Mash with a potato masher until almost smooth. Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, until hot, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover.

5. Transfer the pork to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Add honey, mustard, and the remaining 1/4 cup broth to the pan (the handle will be hot). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Slice the pork. Serve with the spinach, mashed beans, and sauce. 

Nutrition per serving
276 calories; 17 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 8 grams polyunsaturated fat; 44 grams carbohydrates; 10grams dietary fiber; 13 grams sugar; 43 grams protein; 727 milligrams sodium

Recipe by Breana Lai Killeen, Eatingwell.com

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