Lunch: Pork Chops with Arugula Pesto and Roasted Cauliflower

Recipe by Judy Kim If you're a pesto nut, this arugula version adds a spicy kick you'll love.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon, Nuts, Walnuts, Basil

Health and fertility benefits of Pork Chops with Arugula Pesto and Roasted Cauliflower

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Walnuts are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts. Any kind of nuts provide a healthy source of fat and a great way to encourage PCOS weight loss. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

2 c. baby arugula
1 c. chopped basil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. lemon zest
1 tsp. lemon juice
extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
Black pepper
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
4 1" thick, bone-in pork chops

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In the bowl of a food processor, add arugula, basil, garlic, walnuts, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
Meanwhile, preheat a large cast-iron pan over high heat. Pat each pork chop dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil to the pan and sear 2 pork chops on high 5 minutes per side. Remove pork chops and let rest while you cook remaining pork chops. Serve with a drizzle of arugula pesto and roasted cauliflower.

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