Learning to Cook

I have always been surrounded by wonderful cooks and bakers. While this has been delightful for my taste buds, I always wondered if I would ever be able to cook like them. When I lived in Brazil, I was forced to learn how to cook because the ingredients at my disposal were so different. The experience was, at first, frustrating. But, once I began to experiment, the world of cooking opened up to me. My recipe box is now brimming, and I thought others might be interested in trying some of the recipes I have found. I haven’t tried them all yet, but I plan to in the future! I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to add your own suggestions/comments.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Pork Chops with Apricot-Tomato Chutney


Roasted tomatoes have a bright taste that's perfect with apricots - which are themselves a traditional bistro pairing with pork. Altogether, here's a meal that only needs couscous and some steamed cauliflower or green beans on the side.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

4 boneless, center-cut pork loin chops (1-1 1/4 pounds), trimmed of fat
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 14-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chops and cook until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to an 8-inch-square glass baking dish. Add tomatoes, apricots, lemon juice and crushed red pepper to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the sauce thickens into chutney, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour the chutney over the pork chops.
3. Bake the pork chops until just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Divide the chops and chutney among 4 plates and sprinkle with thyme.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 242 calories; 10 g fat (3 g sat, 6 g mono); 65 mg cholesterol; 11 g carbohydrate; 25 g protein; 2 g fiber; 414 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: Selenium (55% daily value), Vitamin C (25% dv), Vitamin A (20% dv).

RELATED RECIPES: Mustard-Maple Pork Tenderloin Tuscan Pork Loin Adobo Pork & Potato Packets Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Peach-Ginger Chutney Pork Chops with Apples & Thyme Quick Pork Saute with Blackberries

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