Pork Chops with Celery and Almond Salad

Ingredients for Pork Chops with Celery and Almond Salad

• 30g dried unsweetened cranberries

• 45ml unseasoned rice vinegar

• 2 (1 1/2"-thick) bone-in pork rib chops (about 450g each), patted dry

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 3 sprigs thyme

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped

• 6 large or 8 medium celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal

• 1/2 cup parsley leaves with tender stems

• 35g chopped salted, dry-roasted almonds

• 30g Parmesan, shaved

• Kosher salt

Combine cranberries and vinegar in a small bowl and set aside.

Season pork generously with salt, then rub with 1 tablespoon oil total. Heat a dry medium skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Cook pork chops, moving once or twice to hotter areas of skillet, until first side is deeply browned, 6–9 minutes. Turn pork chops and cook until second sides are browned, about 5 minutes. Working one at a time, set chops on fatty side with tongs to melt and brown fat cap, about 1 minute each. At this point an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of each chop should register 57°C.

Add thyme, garlic, and butter to skillet and swirl to melt butter. Tilt skillet toward you so butter pools in the pan and spoon foaming butter over chops continuously until butter is browned, about 1 minute. Transfer pork chops, thyme, and garlic to a cutting board and let meat rest while you assemble the salad.

Combine shallot and a couple of pinches of salt in a large bowl. Pour vinegar from reserved cranberries into bowl. Whisking constantly, gradually add remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Add cranberries, celery, parsley, almonds, Parmesan, and several pinches of salt; toss to combine.

Cut along bones to remove meat from pork chops; slice meat 1/2" thick. Transfer meat and bones to a platter along with garlic and thyme, then drizzle any accumulated juices left on cutting board over top. Serve with salad.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.