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Traditionally construed with pasta, the Puttanesca sauce is a bold, salty, and somewhat spicy concoction from the heart of vibrant Napoli. But here’s the twist – instead of anchoring it with pasta, we’re elevating this dish with succulent pork, transforming it into a luxurious yet uproariously simple meal to put together. This pork puttanesca recipe came to me on a whimsically rainy afternoon when the blend of boredom and hunger spurred a kitchen experiment.
Table of Contents
What Is Pork Puttanesca?
Pork puttanesca is a variation of the traditional Italian puttanesca sauce, usually made with tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies.
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops, bone-in (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes, hand-crushed
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Extra parsley for garnishing
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork: Begin by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Ensure they’re at room temperature to guarantee even cooking.
- Brown the Pork: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they develop a golden crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside. They do not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic and red chili flakes—Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Puttanesca Sauce: Add the hand-crushed tomatoes to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the Kalamata olives, capers, parsley, and oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pork: Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Once the pork is cooked through, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pork chops on a platter, spooning the puttanesca sauce generously over the top. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means the quality of ingredients plays a pivotal role. Opt for high-quality, bone-in pork chops for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Making it Your Own: Feel free to tweak the spice level or even add a splash of wine to the sauce as it’s simmering for an added depth of flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your liking. Conversely, if it’s too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer.
- Resting: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender chop.
What To Serve With
- Pasta: Opt for sturdy pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. These types do well to hold up against the hearty pork puttanesca sauce.
- Polenta: Creamy or grilled polenta is a great gluten-free option that pairs wonderfully with Italian flavors.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread can be perfect for this pork puttanesca dish.
- Vegetables: A light vegetable side can balance the robust flavors. Consider roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a sautéed green bean almondine.
- Salad: A crisp green salad, such as a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad.
- Risotto: A Parmesan or mushroom risotto would be a decadent pairing.
Health Benefits
Pork:
- Protein: Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for muscle maintenance, growth, and overall bodily function.
- Vitamins and Minerals: It is rich in several essential nutrients, including B vitamins (particularly B1, B3, B6, and B12), necessary for energy metabolism, brain function, and more. Pork also contributes minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.
- Amino Acids: Containing all nine essential amino acids, pork is considered a complete protein, which is necessary for tissue repair and immune function.
Tomatoes:
- Lycopene: The sauce’s tomatoes are packed with this powerful antioxidant, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
- Vitamins: Tomatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K, which are essential for skin health, cardiovascular health, and bone health.
- Fiber: The dietary fiber in tomatoes aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Olives and Capers
- Healthy Fats: Olives contain monounsaturated fats, which benefit heart health.
- Bioactive Compounds: They also offer various antioxidants and phytonutrients that may protect against inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Capers are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, magnesium, and iron.
Olive Oil:
- Heart Health: Extra virgin olive oil, often used in the dish, is known for promoting heart health due to its oleic acid and polyphenols content.
- Inflammation and Antioxidant Properties: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive oil can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Garlic And Anchovies:
- Allicin and Sulfides: Garlic has allicin and other sulfides known for their antibacterial and heart-protective properties.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to healthy brain function and may help lower triglycerides in the blood.
Weight Management And Satiation:
- High Protein: The high protein content in pork might also help with weight management, as it increases satiety and could lead to reduced caloric intake throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Pork Puttanesca is a testament to the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine and its seamless fusion with nutritional bounty. By embracing this vibrant dish, one not only indulges in a culinary adventure steeped in tradition but also receives many health benefits.
More Recipes:
- Philadelphia Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe
- Pretzel Bread Sandwich Recipe
- Homemade Qdoba Chicken Recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Recipe
- Homemade Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, bone-in (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes, hand-crushed
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Extra parsley for garnishing
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork: Begin by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Ensure they're at room temperature to guarantee even cooking.
- Brown the Pork: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they develop a golden crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside. They do not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic and red chili flakes—Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Puttanesca Sauce: Add the hand-crushed tomatoes to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the Kalamata olives, capers, parsley, and oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pork: Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Once the pork is cooked through, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pork chops on a platter, spooning the puttanesca sauce generously over the top. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
