Spiced Pork Chops with Pomegranate Sauce

Spiced Pork Chops with Pomegranate Sauce is a savory and sweet dish featuring perfectly pan-seared pork chops, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, and drizzled with a vibrant, tangy pomegranate sauce. The spices—cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic—enhance the natural flavor of the pork, creating a warm and inviting aroma as they cook. The pomegranate sauce, made with fresh pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey, adds a luscious balance of sweet and tart flavors that complements the rich, juicy pork. This dish is an ideal combination of bold spices and refreshing sweetness, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Pomegranates and cinnamon make a powerful and healthy combination. Pomegranates have a wealth of nutritional benefits packed into its tiny, jeweled seeds. Full of antioxidants it make a perfect match for the heart healthy benefits of cinnamon. Together, these two ingredients not only enhance flavor but also promote overall health, supporting a strong immune system and aiding in digestion.

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Spiced Pork Chops with Pomegranate Sauce

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

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Ingredients

Spice Rub

• 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops
• 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Pomegranate Sauce

• 2 T minced onion or shallot
• 1/2 cup red or white wine
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp cold butter cut into small pieces
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the spice rub by combining the cinnamon, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the pork chops by rubbing the spice blend evenly over both sides of the pork chops and pressing gently so it sticks.
4. You can proceed to the next step right away but for better flavor, let the pork chops marinate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 1 minute on each side. The pork chops will not be cooked all the way through.
7. Transfer the pork chops to an oven proof baking dish and put in the oven to finish cooking.
8. After removing the pork chops from the pan, reduce the heat to medium, add the minced and garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute to soften the onions.
9. Add the wine and let it reduce until the pan is nearly dry. Use a spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen the cooked on bits.
10. Add the pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
11. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 - 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
12. While the sauce is reducing check on your pork chops. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
13. Remove the pork chops from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and set aside until the sauce is finished.
14. Once the sauce is thickened, add in the juices (if any) from the pork chops, the chopped parsley, the cold butter pieces, and the pomegranate seeds. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated.
15. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
16. Serve the pork chops topped with the pomegranate sauce.

Notes

Not sure how to take the seeds out of a pomegranate? Watch this video.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

457

Fat

22 g

Sat. Fat

7 g

Carbs

23 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

21 g

Sugar

19 g

Protein

36 g

Sodium

253 mg

Cholesterol

125 mg

https://www.karenfarmelo.com/recipes-1/spiced-pork-chops-with-pomegranate-sauce

pork chops, pomegranate, spicy crust

dinner