Orange Glazed Pork

Recipe by: Maria Filice | from Breaking Bread in L'Aquila

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by:

Depending on the appetite of your crowd and what else you will be serving, you may want to double this recipe as it really allows for one chop per person. This orange-scented pork is perfect served with an arugula salad.

Yield: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
6 center-cut pork chops, about 1 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup dry white wine
2 oranges, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
2 cloves garlic, minced
Coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon orange zest for garnish

Directions

Orange glaze: cook orange juice in a saucepan over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until it is reduced by half and there is about a cup of glaze. Set aside.

Sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the chops (you’ll probably have to cook them in batches, and it is important not to overcrowd the pan) and turn the heat to high. Cook the chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are brown.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the wine and garlic and cook until the wine is almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the orange glaze and sliced oranges, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once or twice until the chops are tender but not dry.

Remove the chops to a serving platter. Continue cooking the pan juices, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced slightly. If you need to add more liquid, add a bit more orange juice combined with water or chicken stock. Pour over the chops, top with the orange zest, and serve.