Smothered Mediterranean Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz. boneless, pork chops
- 1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Calizo Italian Herbs Seasoning,to taste
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ C. extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
- ¼ C. Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 C. cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped
Step 1
Remove pork chops from refrigerator and pat dry with a paper towel. Lightly season both sides of each chop with the garlic powder, Calizo Italian Herbs Seasoning, plus salt and black pepper, as desired.
Set aside.
Step 2
Whisk together two tablespoons olive oil with the fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme in a large bowl. Add the Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and Feta cheese and toss to combine.
Set aside.
Step 3
Add one tablespoon olive oil to a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Step 4
Add the remaining olive oil and the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Cooking until the chops are golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
Note: The safe cooking temperature for pork is 145°F. An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the chops should read approximately 135°F at this point.
Step 5
Pour the seasoned tomato and Feta mixture into the skillet and nestle it in amongst the chops. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes and olives are warmed through and the Feta starts to melt.
Step 6
Remove skillet from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Remove cover and serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley, if desired, and your choice of sides.
Godere!