Friday, November 7, 2008

Pork Chops with Fennel and Caper Sauce

Cook Time: 30 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings


Ingredients

* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 4 boneless (2-inch-thick) pork chops (about 2 pounds total)
* 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning meat
* 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning meat
* 2 fennel bulbs with fronds, thinly sliced (about 8 ounces or 2 cups)
* 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
* 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/3 cup
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
* 1/2 lemon, zested
* 2 tablespoons capers


Directions

In a large, heavy skillet heat the olive oil over high heat. Season
the pork chops with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the pan and brown
on both sides, about 4 minutes each side. Remove the pork from the
pan, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.


Add the fennel, shallots, and 1/3 cup parsley to the pan and cook over
medium heat until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the wine.
Using a wooden spoon, scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
Add the tomatoes and stir. Add the pork back into the pan, nestling
the chops between the fennel and tomatoes so they are mostly submerged
in the pan juices. Cook until the fennel is tender and the pork is
done, about 12 to 15 minutes.


Place the pork on a serving dish. To finish the sauce, add the lemon
zest, remaining 1/3 cup parsley, capers, and 3/4 teaspoon each salt
and pepper. Stir to combine. Spoon over the pork chops and serve
immediately.

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