Spicy Beet & Sweet Potato Smoked Pork Chops

If you follow this blog closely, you've learned about the health benefits associated with sweet potatoes from our BBQ Sweet Potato Hash recipe post. Beets are also regarded as being a healthy food choice as they are high in folate, manganese, fiber and potassium. If you have only experienced beets in its pickled form and found the flavor, uh...well...unsatisfactory to put it nicely (Sorry Granny), then you are missing out. Different seasonings and cooking methods can change any food item from dreadful to delightful. This recipe combination of sweet potatoes and beets not only makes a healthy powerhouse of a dish, but it also tastes de-lish! We paired this recipe with Triple T's smoked pork chops to heighten the sweet and savory flavors, finishing with a mildly spicy kick.

Spicy Beet & Sweet Potato Smoked Pork Chops

Ingredients: 

- 3 Medium Sized Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" chunks
- 3 Beets, peeled and cut into 1" chunks
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 Slices of Bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 Medium Onion, thinly sliced
- 4 Triple T Smoked Pork Chops

Directions:

Place the 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the sweet potato and beet chunks in a large sealable plastic bag. Shake to coat all pieces with the olive oil. Then add the brown sugar, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper, reseal and shake. 

After ensuring that all ingredients have evenly coated the chunks, place the plastic bag contents into a 11" x 7" greased dish, then into a 400° preheated oven. Roast for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

In the meantime, place the cut bacon pieces into a skillet over medium heat. 

Cook bacon until crispy, then add thin sliced onions. 

Continue to caramelize onions for approximately 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to keep warm. Grill or pan sear smoked pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side. 

Plate pork chops, top with sweet potato beet mixture and caramelized onions as pictured above. 

ENJOY!!!

Make this recipe into a side dish for holiday entertaining by mixing the caramelized onions with the sweet potato beet mixture after roasting. It makes a terrific alternative to the typical candied sweet potatoes.