ROASTED DOUBLE-CUT PORK CHOP MARINATED IN POMEGRAN

Ingredients

1 1 1(8-rib) pork rack, frenched
Pomegranate Marinade, recipe follows
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 2 2ounces OUNCE_USVolumeolive oil
12 12 12ounces OUNCE_USVolumeunsalted butter
2 2 2ounces OUNCE_USVolumethick sliced smoked bacon, cut into big cubes
2 2 2whole, unpelled heads garlic, split in half horizontally
2 2 2pounds POUNDWeightmustard greens, washed, trimmed, cut into 3 inch squares
12 12 12ounces OUNCE_USVolumechicken stock
1 1 1pound POUNDWeightbaby turnips, trimmed, pelled, cut into quarters
1 1 1tablespoon TABLESPOON_USVolumesugar

Pomegranate Marinade

2 2 2ounces OUNCE_USVolumepeanut oil
4 4 4dried red chilies
4 4 4ounces OUNCE_USVolumegarlic chopped
4 4 4ounces OUNCE_USVolumeginger sliced
1 1 1bunch green onions, chopped
2 2 2cups CUP_USVolumepomegranate juice
¹/₂ 0.5 0.5cup CUP_USVolumerice wine vinegar
1 1 1tablespoon TABLESPOON_USVolumefresh ground black pepper
6 6 6ounces OUNCE_USVolumetamarind paste
4 4 4ounces OUNCE_USVolumebrown sugar
2 2 2tablespoons TABLESPOON_USVolumecoriander, toasted, crushed
2 2 2ounces OUNCE_USVolumesoy sauce

Instructions

Place the pork rack in the marinade and let it marinade for 3 hours, refrigerated. Remove the pork from the marinade. Season with the salt and pepper. Divide the marinade into 2 portions. Reserve.
In sauté pan, over high heat, add the olive oil and 1 ounce of butter. Sear pork until golden. Transfer to a preheated 350 degrees F oven and roast for 20 minutes, basting with half of the reserved marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until the thermometer inserted into the rack reads 150 to 160 degrees F. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into chops.
Meanwhile, in a sauce pan, bring the remaning half marinade to a boil and reduce until thickned. Strain. Whisk in 4 ounces of butter. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Reserve.
In a sauté pan, heat the remaining 1-ounce of olive oil. Saute the smoked bacon and garlic until golden. Add 4 ounces of butter and when melted, add the mustard greens. Season with salt and pepper. Deglaze with 6 oz chicken stock. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reserve.
In another sauté pan, heat the remaining 3 ounces of butter and melt. Add turnips and sauté to golden brown. Add 6 ounces of chicken stock and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Braise until al denté. Reserve.
Prepare the pomegranate marinade. In a sauté pan, heat the oil. Add the chilies and cook for 15 seconds. Transfer to a deep casserole, and add the rest of the ingredients.

Presentation

In the center of 4 plates, make a small mound with the mustard greens. Place pork chops against the greens. Place turnips around the greens and pork chops, and lightly ladle over the reserved pomegranate sauce. Serve immediately.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

This recipe has a wonderful complex flavor. Hidden in the marinade you combine fruit, garlic and chili that go great with bacon from the braised greens. I also like the asian influence from the soy and ginger. This is a knockout of a dish.