One of the foods said to bring good luck in the New Year when it is eaten on New Year’s Day is pork. Pork has that reputation for a few different reasons. Pigs symbolize progress and moving forward in life due to their feeding habits. They continually move forward when they are foraging by pushing their snouts along the ground to root for food. Their rotund shape is believed to signify prosperity and wealth. The ancient Egyptians considered the sow a great mother and a symbol of fertility and abundance, as did the ancient Celts. Ancient Chinese cultures viewed pigs as signs of virility, strength, and fertility, with boars in particular considered a symbol of sincerity, honesty, and determination. Boars were valued enough to be included as one of the Chinese zodiac signs. So, to ensure 2019 gets off to a good start, we’ll be enjoying some pork on this first day of the New Year!
This recipe uses roasted sweet potatoes as an accompaniment to barbecue drenched pork. Some red cabbage, cooked with scallions and a jalapeno adds a slaw-like hit of flavor and color to the dish. It’s a complete meal that will start this year off right!
Roasted Pork & Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Cabbage
Roasted Pork & Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Cabbage (adapted from goodhousekeeping.com) Makes: 4 servings, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 45 minutes, Total Time Required: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes,
cut into 1/2-inch chunks - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 medium head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch chunks.
Prep the cabbage, jalapeno, & green onions.
Directions:
On large rimmed baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Roast them at 425ºF for 15 minutes.
In a deep 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high. Season the pork tenderloin with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brown the pork on all sides.
Brown the pork on all sides.
Transfer it to the baking sheet with the potatoes. Brush the pork with the barbecue sauce and roast the pork & potatoes for 15 minutes, until the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and the potatoes are tender.
Coat the pork with the barbecue sauce.
Meanwhile, to the same skillet that the pork was cooked in, add the red cabbage, green onions, jalapeno, and 1/2 teaspoon salt over medium heat. Cook the mixture for 12 minutes or until the cabbage is tender, stirring often.
Saute the cabbage, scallions, & jalapeno.
Stir in the cider vinegar.
Stir in the vinegar.
After the pork is done and has rested for 5 minutes, slice it and serve it with the potatoes and cabbage.
Here’s to lots of good luck in 2019!
Have a happy, healthy, & prosperous New Year! ~Linda
Roasted Pork & Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Cabbage (adapted from goodhousekeeping.com) Makes: 4 servings, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 45 minutes, Total Time Required: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 medium head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
Directions:
On large rimmed baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Roast them at 425ºF for 15 minutes.
In a deep 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high. Season the pork tenderloin with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brown the pork on all sides. Transfer it to the baking sheet with the potatoes. Brush the pork with the barbecue sauce and roast the pork & potatoes for 15 minutes, until the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and the potatoes are tender.
Meanwhile, to the same skillet that the pork was cooked in, add the red cabbage, green onions, jalapeno, and 1/2 teaspoon salt over medium heat. Cook the mixture for 12 minutes or until the cabbage is tender, stirring often. Stir in the cider vinegar. After the pork is done and has rested for 5 minutes, slice it and serve it with the potatoes and cabbage.