Garam Masala Pork Chops

I am in no way an expert in Indian spices or Indian food, I do however happen to really enjoy the flavors. I found a bag of Garam Masala at my local ethnic food shop. The combination of spices reminded me of Julia Child's pork spice mixture, which I used to use quite a bit in Seattle. It contained no less than 15 different spices from crushed bay leaves, to mace, cloves, white pepper etc... I knew Garam Masala would be somewhat similar and set out to re-create those highly fragrant pork chops.

In the Garam Masala spice pack I used I notice the following spices:

green cardamom pods
cloves
black cardamom pods
cinnamon
cumin seeds
coriander seeds
fennel seeds
black peppercorns
fenugreek seeds

After a bit of internet research I discovered there is no set recipe for Garam Masala.

Garam Masala Pork Chops
Serves 4

4 medium to thick cut pork chops, let them get to room temp.
1/2 onion, slivered
1/2 apple, peeled, diced or sliced or 1/2 C. applesauce
2 T. raisens or prunes
apple cider vinegar
1 T. of peach preserves, apricot preserves

1. Season the room temp. pork chops with salt and sprinkle them with the Garam Masala. Just a tiny bit on both sides of each pork chop. Too much will be overwhelming and may burn.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet and add the pork chops, sear them a bit on both sides but do not burn, then lower the heat to medium low and finish the cooking. Or you can place the pork chops in a 350 degree oven to finish. Time your meat well as to insure they don't get too dry. Take them off the heat on onto a plate to rest while they are still juicy and the lightest pink near the bone.

3. Add a bit more oil to the same skillet and then saute the onions, apples and/or peaches, raisins until the onion has softened. Add a few splashes of vinegar and then the preserves/applesauce and taste for seasonings. Add salt, pepper and a pinch of garam masala. This sauce should taste like a warm chutney with a balance of sweet, sour and salty. Spoon the sauce onto the pork chops and serve.




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