Servings: 4
There’s a reason why fennel pairs so well with everything from pork and fish to apples. Its sweet anise flavor elevates everything around it and fills the kitchen with a smell you just can’t beat. In this dish, both fennel seed and sautéed fresh fennel bring big flavor to simple pork chops.
Lightly crush the fennel seed in a mortar and pestle or with the bottom of a small skillet. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in 2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Season the pork chops with 3 tsp. of the spice mixture.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet. Stir in the fresh fennel, 1/2 cup of the broth, and the remaining spice mixture. Cover the skillet, increase the heat to medium high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fennel begins to soften and brown, 8 to 10 minutes (reduce the heat if the fennel browns too quickly).
Uncover, reduce the heat to medium, and add the remaining 1/4 cup broth and 2 Tbs. of the parsley. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits, until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining parsley and the fronds, season to taste with salt and pepper, and transfer to a medium bowl.
Wipe out the pan, add the oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook, turning once with tongs, until well browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. (To check for doneness, make a small cut near the bone and look inside.the pork should still have a hint of pinkness.) Serve the pork chops with the fennel.
An Arugula, Mint & Apple Salad with Walnuts & Buttermilk Dressing starts the meal off right.
Wonderful aromas...
Delicious! And definitely pair with the Arugula, Mint & Apple Salad with Walnuts & Buttermilk Dressing recipe suggested at the bottom. Very flavorful and elegant menu.
We make this at least once a month if not every other week. We do add garlic and wine, but the basic recipe is the same - brilliant!
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