| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 22g | 6.7g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0.8g | 1.2g | 38g | 0.75g |
Adventures in the kitchen often whisk me back to my Atlanta roots along with Nigeria’s tantalizing spices, giving birth to Afro-southern fusion. Today’s treasure, the Coriander Seed and Garlic Pork Chops, is a brilliant nod to this journey.
The Flavor Marvel of Coriander
In this recipe, the star of the show, hands down, is the coriander. It brings an earthiness that sets the stage for the sweet, garlicky aroma. The use of coriander seeds, rather than their ground counterpart, ensures a bolder, more vibrant taste. It’s a seasoning commonly found in West African cuisine that pairs well with the robustness of pork.
The Southern Touch
Pork chops cut right to the heart of Southern comfort food, a cuisine close to my heart. They blend a woodsy charm with a sophisticated palate, courtesy of the mint and the zing of fresh lemon juice. Topped with a knob of butter and a generous splash of dry white wine, we have a symphony of flavors that pay homage to the culinary mosaic of the South.
Surprising Health Benefits
Beyond its gustatory charm, this Coriander Seed and Garlic Pork Chops recipe comes packed with an array of health benefits. Coriander is known for its antioxidant prowess and its ability to kickstart digestion. Garlic, too, lends its heart-friendly properties to this dish, while the iron-rich pork supports solid energy levels.
The winning tandem of Southern and West African influences in this recipe is not just a game of flavors for me. It’s a reminder of the possibility of bridging worlds, and of the fact that food always tastes better when it tells a story.
Pair this with a vibrant salad or a hearty brown rice dish for the perfect family dinner. As the smell of Coriander Seed and Garlic Pork Chops fills your kitchen, I hope my culinary story resonates with you as much as it does with me.
What You’ll Need
- 6 pork chops, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 head of garlic, cloves peeled and crushed
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Method
Step One
First, season the pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, and crushed coriander seeds. Set them aside for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Step Four
Add the dry white wine to the pan, stirring to deglaze and loosen up any bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low then add the lemon juice, unsalted butter, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all these flavors with the wine and garlic in the pan.
Step Six
Return the pork chops into the pan, coat them with the sauce, and let them simmer for a few more minutes until they are fully cooked and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Step Seven
Finally, serve the pork chops with the pan sauce drizzled over the top. Cooking the pork chops this way makes them tender and infuses them with the flavors of coriander, garlic, and mint for a fresh and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
