Pesto-Coated Center-Cut Pork Chop

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Center-cut pork chops: 8 pieces (about 2 pounds)
2. Pesto sauce: 1 cup
3. Salt: 1 teaspoon
4. Black pepper: 1 teaspoon (ground)
5. Fresh garlic: 3 cloves (chopped)
6. Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
7. Fresh basil leaves: a handful (for garnish)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes (preparation) + 20 minutes (cooking) = 50 minutes total

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pesto sauce, salt, black pepper, and chopped garlic. Mix well.
2. Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or baking tray.
3. Pour the pesto mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they are coated evenly.
4. Let the pork chops marinate for 15-20 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pork chops.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
10. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

• Calories: Depending on the weight of the pork chops and the ingredients used, the dish may contain around 400-500 calories per serving.
• Protein: 30-40 grams per serving.
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving (including saturated fat).
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams per serving (mainly from pesto sauce).

Dish Characteristics:

• The combination of pesto and pork chop creates a rich and flavorful dish.
• The dish has a slightly herby and garlicky taste due to the pesto sauce.
• The pork chop is tender and juicy when cooked properly.
• The dish is easy to customize based on personal preferences (e.g., adding more pesto for a stronger flavor).

User Comments:

1. "The pesto sauce added a unique flavor to the pork chop, it was delicious!"
2. "The dish was easy to prepare and came out perfectly."
3. "I added some extra pesto to make it more flavorful, it was great!"
4. "The pork was tender and juicy, paired well with the pesto sauce."
5. "A great dish for a family meal, everyone loved it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure safety.
• Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference, adding more pesto, salt, or pepper if desired.
• Use fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, you can pan-fry the pork chops for a few minutes before roasting in the oven.