Ingredients

  • 2 bone-in pork chops, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches thick
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, plus a pinch
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
  • Large pinch red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fennel fronds, more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

      475 calories; 31 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 16 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 4 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 41 grams protein; 137 milligrams cholesterol; 1419 milligrams sodium

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

2 servings

Preparation

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pat pork chops dry and, using a very sharp paring knife, cut a large pocket into the fat-covered edge of each chop. Season chops all over with 1 teaspoon salt, including inside pockets.
  2. Finely grate zest from lemon and put in a small bowl. Cut lemon lengthwise in quarters for serving.
  3. Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife, mash garlic with a pinch of salt until you get a paste. Add to the bowl with the lemon zest and stir in rosemary, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, 2 tablespoons fennel fronds and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  4. Divide filling between pork chops, stuffing some inside pockets and rubbing the rest on the outside.
  5. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear pork chops on one side for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Gently turn over chops and cook for another minute, then transfer skillet to oven. Cook until meat is just done, about 5 to 10 minutes longer (internal temperature should read 135 degrees on a meat thermometer). Transfer pork chops to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fennel fronds and lemon wedges.

20 minutes

Dining and Cooking