Cajun Pork Paella

Laissez les bon temps rouler with this Cajun flavored paella. Paella is a Spanish dish with a base of rice, meat, tomatoes and vegetables usually prepared and served in a special two-handled pan called a 'paella'. This Cajun version uses a skillet and quick-cooking boxed rice. Serve with warm, crusty bread.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon Cajun-style seasoning
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (7.4-ounce) quick cooking spicy Cajun-style beans and rice
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice (or chicken broth)
1 (6 1/2-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup thawed frozen green peas
1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimientos, undrained

Cooking Directions:

1. Toss cubes with seasoning; heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork cubes; cook and stir until pork is nicely browned. Remove pork from skillet and keep warm.
2. Add rice and beans mix and seasoning packets to skillet, along with water, wine and clam juice, stirring to mix. Bring to boil and cover tightly; reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 6 minutes, stirring several times.
3. Top rice mixture with pork, artichoke hearts, peas and pimientos and cover, cooking for about 4 minutes longer or until most liquid has been absorbed. Serve hot from skillet.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories 450 calories Protein 36 grams Fat 11 grams Sodium 1250 milligrams Cholesterol 63 milligrams Saturated Fat 2 grams Carbohydrates 48 grams.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.