PROTEIN AND PICK A BEAN

Protein and Pick a Bean image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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2 pounds protein of your choice, such as pork chops, chicken, pork tenderloin, beef, lamb or tofu
Salt and pepper
5 tablespoons oil or other fat
4 strips bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1 small)
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons spices, such as a blend of chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, chipotle and cayenne (based on what you have)
Two 15-ounce cans beans of your choice, rinsed
1 cup tomato product of your choice, such as sauce, crushed, diced, etc.
1 cup liquid of your choice, such as beer, wine, water or stock
1/4 cup mustard
1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar, optional

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Season the protein with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil or fat. When hot, add the protein to the skillet and cook until brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until cooked through, 150 degrees F for pork, 165 degrees F for chicken, 145 degrees F for medium beef, 145 degrees F for medium lamb and the tofu is warmed through.
Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring, until almost crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the onions, garlic and spices and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the beans, tomato, liquid, mustard and maple syrup or brown sugar, if using, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the mixture begins to thicken, about 10 minutes.
Serve the protein with the pick a bean mixture.