Enjoy juicy cider-braised ham with sweet potato

Meat and potatoes are a common and delicious pairing, but aren't well known for their health benefits. This tasty recipes uses low-fat pork and high-fibre sweet potatoes for an unforgettable dish that's low in fat.

This meal takes 15 minutes to prepare, 30 to cook, and serves 4. Here's what you'll need:

• 250 ml (1 cup) plus 15 ml (1 tbsp) apple cider
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Dijon mustard
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger
• 2 g (1⁄2 tsp) ground cloves
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced
• 500 g (1 lb) extra lean ham steak
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 12 wedges
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) cornstarch
• 125 ml (1⁄2 cup) diagonally sliced green part of scallions

1. Combine 250 millilitres (one cup) of the cider with the mustard, ginger, and cloves in a large frying pan. Bring to a simmer. Add the sweet potato. Cover tightly and simmer until partially tender (15 minutes).
2. Add ham steak. Cover with sweet potato slices. Arrange apple wedges over the top. Cover and simmer until apples and potato are tender and ham is heated through (10 to 15 minutes).
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer ham, potato, and apple to plate. Cover with aluminium foil to keep warm.
4. Blend cornstarch and 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of cider in a small bowl. Stir a little of the hot pan liquid into the mixture until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture to pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened (about one minute).
5. Divide ham, sweet potato, and apple between four plates. Spoon on sauce from the pan. Garnish with scallions and serve.

You'll notice that this dish is low in calories and fat, making it both healthy and delicious. Here's what each serving contains:

• 211 Calories
• 18 g Protein
• 4 g Fat (including 1 g saturated fat)
• 25 g Carbohydrates (including 2 g fibre)
• 38 mg Cholesterol
• 1,188 mg Sodium

Adding fresh fruit to a meat dish is an easy way to include more vitamins and fibre. Don't be afraid to experiment with sliced pears, halved kumquats, orange segments, or pineapple chunks. Whatever you use, you'll end up with a winning combination of savory and sweet that's bound to impress everyone at your table.