PORK CHOPS WITH BRANDIED CHERRIES

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Pork Chops With Brandied Cherries image

Pork and fruit is a classic combination, and for good reason: The sweetness and tang of the fruit softens the gamy richness of the meat. Here, a pan sauce of ripe summer cherries seasoned with a little brandy and fresh thyme adds verve and complexity to seared pork chops, while garam masala and allspice add heady, aromatic notes. You can use either sour or sweet cherries, as long as you balance the flavors at the end. Sweet ones will need a touch of vinegar for acidity, while sour cherries may need a drizzle of honey. Do take the time to get a good, dark sear on the meat before making the sauce. Those browned bits on the bottom of the pan are the flavor backbone of the sauce. The darker the color, the deeper the sauce.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 bone-in pork chops, 1 1/2 inches thick, about 1 pound each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
2 tablespoons brandy
2 cups fresh sweet or sour cherries, pitted and halved
4 sprigs thyme, plus thyme leaves for garnish
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sherry vinegar or honey, or more to taste (use the vinegar with the sweet cherries, the honey with the sour cherries)

Steps:

  • Combine salt, garam masala, pepper and allspice in a small bowl. Rub mixture all over pork chops, covering their entire surface. Let chops rest for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours, covered, in the refrigerator.
  • Heat a 10-inch skillet at medium-high. Add oil. Sear pork chops until brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add garlic to pan, then sear the fatty edges of the chops, using tongs to hold them up, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute each. (Flip the garlic after it browns on one side.) If the pan starts to smoke at any point, lower the heat. Transfer the pork to a plate, and spoon off all but a thin layer of fat from pan. (Leave garlic in the pan.)
  • Add brandy to pan, let it simmer until the alcohol burns off (about 30 seconds), then add cherries, thyme and 2 tablespoons water. Let simmer for 1 minute.
  • Move cherries to the sides of the pan and return pork chops to the center so they can make contact with the metal. Cover pan and cook over low heat for about 7 minutes, until meat reaches 130 to 135 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (Its temperature will rise as it rests.) Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add butter and vinegar or honey to the pan, stirring until butter melts and coats the cherries. Taste and add more honey or vinegar, and salt as needed. Serve pork with cherries and more thyme on top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 402, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 744 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Panna Shak
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I'll definitely be making this recipe again.


Baijid Bajid
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This pork chop recipe is a keeper. It's easy to make and the results are amazing.


Misk Ahmed
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I'm so glad I tried this recipe. The pork chops were delicious and the brandied cherry sauce was the perfect complement.


Nasir adan Hassan
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This is a great recipe for a special occasion. The pork chops were cooked to perfection and the brandied cherry sauce was amazing.


Jurain Rajgopal
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I highly recommend this pork chop recipe. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the brandied cherry sauce was divine.


Leonardo Nelson
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This recipe is a winner. The pork chops were cooked perfectly and the brandied cherry sauce was delicious.


Ejalon Dunmore
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5 stars! This pork chop recipe is amazing. The brandied cherries add a delicious sweetness and complexity to the flavor. I will definitely be making this again!


Ahmed Qureshi
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I love this recipe! The pork chops are always juicy and flavorful, and the brandied cherry sauce is amazing. I highly recommend it.


Roxie the Monochrome Cat Backup
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This recipe is a keeper. The pork chops were cooked to perfection and the brandied cherry sauce was delicious. I served it with roasted potatoes and asparagus and it was a perfect meal.


UDQqpu D
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. The pork chops are always juicy and flavorful, and the brandied cherry sauce is divine. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion.


Jack S
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This pork chop recipe is a winner! The brandied cherries added a delicious sweetness and complexity to the flavor. The meat was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing. I highly recommend this recipe.


Ibrahym Yusuph
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I'm so glad I tried this recipe. The pork chops were juicy and flavorful, and the brandied cherry sauce was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.


AHMED SALMAN
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I made this recipe for a dinner party and it was a huge success. The pork chops were cooked to perfection and the brandied cherry sauce was a perfect accompaniment. Everyone loved it!


Crichet Patterson
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were outstanding. The pork chops were tender and juicy, and the brandied cherry sauce was divine. I served it with mashed potatoes and green beans and it was a hit with my guests.


Nantongo Magie
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Delicious! The brandied cherries were the perfect complement to the pork chops. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and decadent. I will definitely be making this again for special occasions.


1 vai
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5 stars! This pork chop recipe is a keeper. The brandied cherries added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish. The meat was cooked perfectly and the sauce was divine. I served it with roasted potatoes and asparagus and it was a hit with


Voltren Xytech (Soothing Tides)
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I'm not usually a fan of pork chops, but this recipe changed my mind. The brandied cherries were a game-changer. They added a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat. I'll definitely be making this again!


Best 123
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This pork chop dish was amazing! The brandied cherries added a delightful sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile. The meat was cooked to perfection - juicy and tender. I will definitely be making this again!