Grilled Pork Chops With Plum Salsa
serves 4
The salsa has just enough pungent sage and jalapeño chili pepper to keep it honest. If preparing the salsa more than an hour in advance, hold off adding the lemon juice, because it will break down the fruit. Serve with whipped sweet potatoes and collard greens.
Read more about this recipe at the Washington Post.
3 plums (may substitute apricots or pluots), halved, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1/4 small red onion, halved lengthwise and cut into long, thin strips
1/2 to 1 red jalapeño chili pepper, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons sage
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 (about 1 1/4 pounds) rib pork chops or loin pork chops, 3/4 to 1-inch thick
prep: 10 minutes
total: 25 minutes
medium bowl
grill
1. Prepare the grill. If using a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium-high. If using a charcoal grill, start the charcoal or wood briquettes; when the briquettes are ready, distribute them evenly under the cooking area for direct heat.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, add the plums, onion, jalapeño and sage; stir to combine. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Set aside.
2. Oil the grate. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste and grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on their thickness. Turn and grill for 3 minutes or until cooked through.
3. To serve, place a pork chop on each plate and top with some salsa. Pass remaining salsa at the table.
Adapted from Harry's Roadhouse Cookbook, by Harry Shapiro and Peyton Young.
