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Creating recipes isn't a pastime—it's a passion. And a lot of fun.

The rules are few: Use 99% fresh ingredients (or thereabouts); make the dish simple but flavorful; make the dish flavorful but simple; be creative, not silly.

With this blog, I want to share new recipes, along with tips on ingredients and preparation, and, hopefully, show new cooks (and non-cooks) the pleasure in setting the table with a delicious homemade meal. The Briny Lemon is about fresh, simple, flavorful ingredients and easy cooking methods that help you bring the best to your family table. Your comments are welcome!

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta


This warm, homey dinner is actually fast food—the good kind. Lean, pork sirloin chops sear quickly, in less than 10 minutes for a lightly charred outside and tender inside. And creamy polenta is a tasty alternative to mashed potatoes. Once the liquid comes to a boil, the dish is ready, again, in less than 10 minutes.

I usually use all chicken broth to make polenta, but for this recipe I used skim milk with a little broth to give the dish an even creamier consistency. A little chopped sage and Parmesan cheese provide a flavorful finish.

Note: If you don’t use Parmigiano-Reggiano, try another Parmesan or hard Italian cheese that you can grate yourself. No pre-grated stuff in a can, please!

Serves 4

Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb pork sirloin chops, about 3/4-inch thick
  • 1/4 tsp chile powder
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups nonfat milk
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2/3 cup quick-cooking polenta
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 2 tsp finely chopped fresh sage, plus more for garnish
  • broiled or steamed asparagus, for serving (optional)
Pork Sirloin Chops 
Polenta Cornmeal
Grated Parmesan
Preparation
  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the pork with chile powder, salt, and pepper and sear until browned and just cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side.
  2. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Cut the pork across the grain into thin slices.
Seasoned Pork
Pork Beginning to Sear
Seared Pork
  1. Meanwhile, bring the milk and broth to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually pour in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 6-7 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and 2 teaspoons of chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more sage. 
Milk Mixture Beginning to Simmer 
Polenta Added
Cooked Polenta
Cheese and Sage Added
Serve the pork and polenta with asparagus on the side, if desired.


Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta

1 comment:

  1. This sounds delicious and is a wonderful combination. I love polenta and quick and easy dinners. Thanks for sharing at What'd You Do This Weekend?!

    ReplyDelete