Pomegranate-Glazed Pork Ribs with Cheddar Cauliflower Grits

Tender roasted boneless country-style ribs coated in a tart-sweet pomegranate glaze, served over rich cheddar cauliflower grits with roasted zucchini and peppers.
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 35 min
- Total: 50 min
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Medium
Dietary
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb
- Low-Cholesterol
- Gluten-Free
- Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- Low-Sugar
- Low-Fat
- Low-Sodium
- Low-Saturated-Fat
- Low-Calorie
Tags
- roast
- bake
- healthy
- tangy
- smoky
- rich
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless pork country-style ribs (trimmed of excess fat)
- 0.25 cup pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 zucchini (medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (medium, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 16 ounce riced cauliflower
- 2 tablespoon low-fat milk
- 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper to make the basting glaze.
- Toss the diced zucchini and red bell pepper with the olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then spread them evenly across one half of the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the boneless pork country-style ribs on the other half of the baking sheet and brush liberally on all sides with half of the pomegranate glaze.
- Roast for 25 minutes, then brush the remaining pomegranate glaze over the pork ribs and return to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 145°F and the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
- While the ribs roast, place the riced cauliflower in a medium saucepan with the low-fat milk and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt over medium heat. Cover and steam for 6 to 8 minutes until completely tender, then remove from heat and vigorously stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Allow the pork to rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve over warm cheddar cauliflower grits alongside the roasted vegetable medley.
Notes
Leftovers reheat easily in the microwave or covered in a warm oven; store the glazed pork, vegetables, and cheddar grits in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg