Pork Chops & Mustard Pan Sauce with Roasted Cauliflower & Spinach Salad
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb cauliflower (about half of 1 whole cauliflower)
- 1 oz capers
- 3 oz shallot
- 1 oz sherry vinegar
- 1/4 oz fresh parsley
- 3/4 oz fresh Parmesan cheese
- 12-16 oz boneless pork chops (2-3 chops total)
- 1/2 oz whole grain mustard or dijon
- 3 oz baby spinach
- olive oil
- Ground salt and pepper
- butter
TOOLS:
- rimmed baking sheet
- box grater
- medium heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron)
- large mixing bowl
- aluminum foil
METHOD:
- ROAST CAULIFLOWER. Preheat oven to 450 degrees with a rack in the upper third. Halve cauliflower, then cut 1 half into 1-inch florets. Gently toss cauliflower florets in a large bowl with 1-2 tbs olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet lined in aluminum foil. Roast on upper oven rack until tender and slightly browned (13-15 minutes). Add capers and roast for 3 more minutes.
- MAKE VINAIGRETTE. Meanwhile, finely chop about 1/4 cup shallot. In the same large bowl for tossing the cauliflower (once emptied), combine 2 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs of the chopped shallots, and 2 tsp of sherry Vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer roasted cauliflower and capers to bowl with vinaigarette and toss to combine.
- PREP SALAD. Pick parsley leaves from stems; finely chop stems and coarsely chop leaves, keeping them separate. Coarsely grate Parmesan in the large holes of a box grater (in less you purchased your cheese pre-grated). Stir parsley stems into bowl with cauliflower and vinaigrette.
- COOK PORK CHOPS. Rinse pork chops in cold water and pat dry with paper towels, then season all over with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbs of olive oil in a medium heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on both sides and cooked 145 degrees F for a pink center, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove skillet from heat and transfer pork to a plate.
- COOK PAN SAUCE. Add remaining chopped shallots and 2 tsp olive oil to same skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in mustard, remaining vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Whisk in 2 tbs butter. Season pan sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
- FINISH & SERVE. Return pork chops to skillet, turning to coat; transfer to plates and top with pan sauce. Add Parmesan, parsley leaves, and spinach to roasted cauliflower salad; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve pork chops with roasted cauliflower-spinach salad alongside. Enjoy!