Savory Pork Chops with Melted Mozzarella on Creamy Cannellini-Lentil Puree
Delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe featuring succulent pork chops drizzled with olive oil and topped with creamy mozzarella cheese. This dish is served on a luxurious cannellini and lentil puree that's both hearty and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender pork, melted mozzarella, and the rich and flavorful puree creates a harmonious balance that is sure to impress. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
4
Servings
500
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian olive oil
10 tablespoons (Measured)
onion
1/2 (Finely chopped)
crushed dried chilies
2 pinches (Measured)
lentils
14 ounces (Canned, drained)
cannellini beans
14 ounces (Canned, drained)
pork chops
4 (Bone-in preferred)
salt
To taste (Measured)
freshly ground black pepper
To taste (Measured)
rosemary
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
fresh rosemary sprigs
4 (Whole)
fresh mozzarella balls
2 (Drained and sliced)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of Italian olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed dried chilies. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion turns golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
2
Stir in the canned lentils and cannellini beans along with their juices. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
3
Using a hand-blender, blend the lentil and bean mixture into a smooth puree. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
4
Preheat a griddle pan over medium-high heat. While it's heating, coat the pork chops generously with the remaining olive oil. Season both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped rosemary.
5
Once the griddle is hot, sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.
6
Transfer the seared pork chops to a roasting tray. Place a sprig of fresh rosemary on each chop and top with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper.
7
Preheat the broiler in your oven. Broil the pork chops for 1-2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbling and slightly golden.
8
To serve, place 3-4 tablespoons of the lentil-cannellini puree on each of the 4 serving plates, and top with a cheese-covered pork chop. Enjoy while hot!
Nutrition Information
32.5
Fat
27.5
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is pork chops.
What kind of puree is served with the pork chops?
The pork chops are served on a creamy cannellini and lentil puree.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What type of cheese is used for melting on the pork?
The recipe calls for fresh mozzarella balls, drained and sliced.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 32.5 grams of fat.
How much protein is found in each serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What type of beans are included in the puree?
The puree uses a combination of canned lentils and cannellini beans.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
Italian olive oil is used for both sautéing and coating the pork.
How do I prepare the onion for the sauce?
The onion should be finely chopped and sautéed until golden.
What gives the bean puree a spicy kick?
Two pinches of crushed dried chilies are added to the onion mixture.
How long should the lentils and beans simmer?
They should simmer for 5 minutes after being brought to a boil.
What equipment should be used to make the puree smooth?
A hand-blender is recommended to blend the bean mixture into a smooth puree.
What are the preferred types of pork chops for this dish?
Bone-in pork chops are preferred for this recipe.
How long do I sear the pork chops on the griddle?
Sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
What herbs are used to season the pork?
The pork is seasoned with chopped rosemary and topped with fresh rosemary sprigs.
How is the mozzarella melted onto the pork?
The pork chops are placed under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the mozzarella is bubbling.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 10 tablespoons of Italian olive oil.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 11 specific ingredients required for this dish.
Do the beans need to be drained before use?
Yes, the recipe specifies using canned, drained lentils and cannellini beans.
How much puree should be served on each plate?
Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of the lentil-cannellini puree on each of the 4 plates.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion and chilies.
What is the seasoning used for the pork chops besides rosemary?
The pork is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 5 to 7 minutes.
What should I do after searing the pork chops?
Transfer them to a roasting tray, add rosemary and mozzarella, then broil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is healthy, due to the nutritious bean puree.
What kind of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine.