Pork Chops with Peppers and Capers

Recipe by: Mario Batali | from Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: A Day Or More

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

Zingara translates as “gypsy,” and here the name must be because of the lusty, colorful components of this fiery, festive dish.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

4½ quarts water
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
12 black peppercorns
4 bay leaves
6 pork rib chops
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 bell peppers–1 each red, green, and yellow–cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
5 bulb onions, green tops reserved and sliced, bulbs cut into rings
¼ cup black olives, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon hot red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon capers, with their brine
1 cup dry white wine

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of the water, the kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Pour into a large pot or other container and add the remaining 4 quarts cool water. Stir to mix well, add the pork chops, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

2. Drain the chops and pat dry with paper towels. Season the pork on both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in the flour.

3. In a 12-inch sauté pan, heat the olive oil over high heat until smoking. Add 3 chops to the pan and cook until dark golden brown on the first side, about 7 minutes. Turn over and cook until browned on the second side, about 4 minutes, then transfer to a plate and repeat with the other 3 chops.

4. Add the peppers, onions, olives, red pepper flakes, and capers and stir with a wooden spoon to loosen the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, place the pork chops in the pepper mixture, and simmer for 10 minutes (the pork should be cooked to 135°F).

5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the reserved onion tops, and serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 1/8 teaspoon added salt per serving.

Calories 461kcal (23%)

Calcium 99mg (10%)

Vitamin C 55mg (92%)

Vitamin A 33mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 762mg

Magnesium 62mg

Protein 30g

Sugar 12g