Cheesy Topped Mediterranean Pork Loin Chops

Main Healthy Meat

Servings: 4

Source

Ingredients

  • 8 small boneless pork loin chops
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • cooking oil spray
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, halved and sliced thinly
  • 2 cloves of garlic, sliced
  • 400g tin of chopped tomatoes in juice
  • 240ml of water
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • salt and black pepper
  • 130g of mozzarella, grated
  • 40g of parmesan, grated
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Add the pork loins to a ziplock bag, add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and black pepper and a spray of cooking oil spray and shake and massage to ensure the seasonings evenly coat the pork.
  2. Leave it to marinade for about 20-30 so the pork absorbs the flavours. Do no refrigerate for this stage. (If you prefer you can marinade with the seasonings the night before, but take out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking)
  3. Heat a frying pan over a medium high heat, spray with some cooking oil spray, add the pork chops and cook on both sides until golden and cooked through (approx 4-5 minutes each side)
  4. Remove the pork loin chops and set aside.
  5. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over a medium high heat, add the onion and fry until golden and softened. (couple of minutes) Add the garlic and fry for a further minute to infuse the flavour.
  6. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook to until it evaporates
  7. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and basil and stir to combine.
  8. Pour in the water, bring to a boil and then simmer until it reduces down into a thick sauce. Taste and season as needed with salt and black pepper. Add the sauce to a baking tray or oven proof dish and spread out in an even layer.
  9. Place the pork chops into the sauce (I also add any of the juices released from the pork (it’s all great flavour) Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the pork chops
  10. Top with the grated parmesan and mozzarella and place under the grill (broil) until the cheese is melted and golden (approx 3-5 minutes) Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.