Pork chops with lemon
CUBAN PORK CHOPS
A substantial amount of garlic ensures the chops are packed with flavour.
MARINADE
15 ml (1 T) grated orange
zest
12 garlic cloves, crushed 125 ml (½ c) fresh oregano or 20 ml (4 t) dried oregano
10 ml (2 t) ground cumin 160 ml (₂⁄₃ c) olive oil
250 ml (1 c) orange juice 125 ml (½ c) lime juice CHOPS
4-6 pork chops, cut from
the loin or neck salt and pepper avocado, tomato and
oranges, sliced, to serve
1 Marinade Process the zest, garlic, oregano and cumin until fine. Add the oil and juice through the spout. Mix well. 2 Chops Put the meat in a non-metal bowl (or sealable plastic bag) and pour the marinade over. Marinate overnight.
3 Remove the meat from the marinade, pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
4 Seal the meat briefly on both sides over hot coals. Lift the grid and braai high above the coals until just done but not dry, about 12-15 minutes. Baste often with the marinade.
5 Serve with avocado, tomato and orange slices. 80 g bacon, diced juice and zest of 3 lemons 45 ml (3 T) roughly chopped fresh sage plus a few extra leaves to garnish salt and pepper to taste
3 deboned pork loin chops
(at least 3-5 cm thick),
most of the fat removed 45 ml (3 T) olive oil
50 g cold butter, cut into slices
1 Mix the bacon, lemon zest, juice of 1½ lemons, sage, salt and pepper to make a paste and set aside.
2 Turn the chops on their sides and make a vertical cut in the middle of each but do not cut all the way through. Splay the meat and flatten slightly with the heel of your palm. Make small crisscross incisions in the meat. Rub the paste over the meat and into the incisions.
3 Brush the meat with the oil.
4 Place the chops on a folding grill and with the oiled side down cook the chops over medium-hot coals for 6-8 minutes. Turn and cook for another 8 minutes or until just done.
5 Place the meat on a serving platter and top with the butter slices so they can melt.
6 Season the meat with the remaining lemon juice and garnish with sage leaves.
SERVES 4 Preparation
15 min Marinating overnight Cooking 12-15 min
SERVES 6-8 Preparation 10 min Cooking 15 min