ARF/5-A-Day #89

You know how sometimes you can look at a recipe on paper and just know it will taste good? I felt that way about this dish with green beans and ground pork. I could never remember what exactly the sauce was made from, I consistently have fresh green beans but it was the ground pork that had me delayed.

My local grocery store is being remodeled and normally I have no problem asking for something specific that I do not see on display. The people behind the counter are usually very friendly. But somehow, I keep going to the store when there are too many shoppers, not enough workers and every time something is out of place. This remodeling will be great in the end...it is like road construction that causes a ton of traffic for awhile but once it is finished, the roads are so much better...I know the store will be better in the end, but it is the extra traffic that frustrates me at times.

Anyway, I went shopping today to pick up a few things for you see I was inspired by the latest food blogging event for "Waiter There's Something In My...!" I cannot wait to see how the idea in my mind turns out for my tastebuds! While I was at the store today, I took a glance...por si acaso!...to see if they had any ground pork to sell to me. Sure enough...one package...just the amount I needed...it was all mine! Now I knew for sure what lunch was going to be! (I am actually just finishing up as I write - I couldn't wait!) And just in time for my entry to Sweetnicks 5-A-Day food blogging event. Check out the round up after Tuesday!

Szechuan Green Beans with Ground Pork

1/2 pound of lean ground pork
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 1/2 cups of cut green beans
1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper (add more if you like it hot!)
2 teaspoons of soy sauce

In a medium sized bowl, combine ground pork with cornstarch, salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add pork mixture, green beans and garlic. Cook together for 3 minutes or until pork loses its pink color, stirring to crumble. Combine hoisin sauce, sugar, crushed red pepper and soy sauce in a small bowl. Add hoisin mixture to pan. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently. Serve with hot white rice. Serves 4.

From Cooking Light.

Don't worry, the savory preserves are coming soon!