Brine-Cured Pork Chops

Ingredients

For the brine:

• ¾ cup kosher salt
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 20 juniper berries
• 20 allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 4 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 sprigs fresh marjor

For the chops:

• 6 1 1/2-inch-thick center-cut rib or loin pork chops, bone in
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 to 15 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
• Salt to taste

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

    1140 calories; 98 grams fat; 23 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 51 grams monounsaturated fat; 13 grams polyunsaturated fat; 31 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 22 grams sugars; 36 grams protein; 181 milligrams cholesterol; 1658 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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6 servings

Preparation

1. To make the brine, dissolve the salt and sugar in 1 gallon of warm water in a large bowl. In a mortar, slightly crush juniper and allspice berries and the peppercorns along with the bay leaves and herbs; add to the brine. When the brine is cool, add pork chops and completely submerge, putting weights on top of a plate if necessary. Refrigerate for at least 2 days and up to 3 days.
2. To prepare the chops, remove from the brine about 2 hours before cooking and dry with paper towels. Rub them with a bit of olive oil and pepper. (You may also perfume the meat at this point with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, placed on top of and beneath the chops). Allow the chops to come to room temperature.
3. Grill the chops (partly covered if possible to control flaming) over medium-hot coals about 5 to 7 minutes a side, or fry 3 at a time in 2 preheated heavy-bottomed skillets over medium-high heat. Place them on a warm platter and cover loosely with foil. Allow them to rest about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt if needed.