This flavorful pork chop dinner recipe is proof that bold Neapolitan puttanesca sauce can liven up more than just spaghetti. Unlike brined olives like Kalamatas, oil-cured olives have a meatier bite because they’re coated in salt then macerated in oil. Look for them on olive bars or with other Italian products. Serve with sautéed broccoli rabe and whole-wheat orzo.
Puttanesca Pork Chops
This flavorful pork chop dinner recipe is proof that bold Neapolitan puttanesca sauce can liven up more than just spaghetti. Unlike brined olives like Kalamatas, oil-cured olives have a meatier bite because they're coated in salt then macerated in oil. Look for them on olive bars or with other Italian products. Serve with sautéed broccoli rabe and whole-wheat orzo.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops about 3/4 inch thick (1-1 1/4 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper divided
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 anchovy fillets minced, or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup pitted oil-cured olives
- 1 tablespoon capers rinsed
- ¼ cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Sprinkle pork with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and salt. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add the pork. Cook, turning once, until browned and an instant-read thermometer registers 140 degrees F, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic and anchovies (or anchovy paste) to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, olives, capers and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine and crush the tomatoes with a potato masher or spoon. Simmer until the sauce is thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Return the pork and any juices to the pan, turning to coat with the sauce.
