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.