Pork Chops with Fresh Blackberry Pinot Noir Sauce

Pork Chops with Fresh Blackberry Pinot Noir Sauce

In a word ...... amazing!

Not only was Pork Chops with Fresh Blackberry Pinot Noir Sauce simple to prepare, it was an entree that was both spicy and not too sweet - a favorite flavor pairing.  I love the combination of pork and fruit and this dish adds a bit of flair to dinner time.  Even my daughter who has a strict policy of no fruit and meat entrees (she is just a little odd that way) loved chili powder spiced pork chops topped with the blackberry sauce of mashed and whole berries.

The chops are quickly seared and then finish cooking in a covered pan.  The sauce is a marrying of shallots, wine and fresh blackberries.  A little butter adds just a touch of body to the sauce before topping the tender pork chops along with a few whole berries.  Sides of quinoa and creamed scallions rounded out the meal.

In a word ..... amazing!

Pork Chops with Fresh Blackberry Pinot Noir Sauce

adapted from a recipe in Cuisine at Home - June 2010 issue

serves 4

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 (6 -8 ounce) pork chops (3/4-1-inch thick, bone-in)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
1/2 cup pinot noir
3 cups fresh blackberries (divided)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoons unsalted butter

Combine chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper and rub onto the chops.

Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add the chops and saute 3 - 4 minutes on each side.  Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 5-7 minutes.  Remove the chops to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Saute the shallots in the pan over medium-high heat about 2 minutes.  Deglaze the pan with the wine. Then add 2 cups of the berries, broth, and sugar.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 - 5 minutes.  Coarsely mash the berries with a potato masher or fork.  Simmer the sauce until slightly thick  - about another minute or 2.

Swirl in the butter into the sauce and season with salt and pepper.

Serve the pork chops topped with the sauce and the remaining berries.