Pork chop with tomato and olive sauce

Pork Chops with Tomato and Olive Sauce

If you want to impress your family or friends with a savory and aromatic dish, pork chops with tomato and olive sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe, inspired by Italian cuisine, combines the juiciness of the meat with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the olives, creating a symphony of flavors that will remind you of traditional meals from southern Italy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (approximately 150-200 g each)
- 400 g canned tomatoes (or fresh pureed tomatoes)
- 100 g green or black olives, pitted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the chops: Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is essential to add flavor to the meat before cooking.

2. Searing the chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chops and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they become golden and nicely browned. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; if you have many chops, cook them in two batches to achieve an even and crispy crust.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Once the chops are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step will add extra flavor to the sauce.

4. Preparing the sauce: Add the canned tomatoes and oregano to the skillet. Mix well, then bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure to puree them well before adding them to the skillet.

5. Adding the olives and chops: After the sauce has simmered, add the olives and pork chops back to the skillet. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes. This step will allow the meat to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become extremely tender.

6. Serving: Place the chops on plates, cover them with the tomato and olive sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. You can serve this dish with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh pasta, which will pair perfectly with the sauce.

Helpful tips:
- If you want a special variation, you can replace the pork chops with beef or chicken, adjusting the cooking time according to the thickness of the meat.
- For a spicier sauce, add chili flakes along with the tomatoes.
- I recommend using fresh tomatoes in season for a more intense flavor.

So enjoy a pork chop with tomato and olive sauce, a delicious dish that will bring the charm of Italy directly to your table!

 Ingredients: - 4 boneless pork chops - 400g canned tomatoes - 6 mushrooms - 2 slices of ham - 50g olives - 50ml wine - 50ml oil - 2 cloves of garlic - salt, pepper