"Pork Loin Chops with parsley" & "Caramelized Carrots"

What does it mean to cook for others at home?  It is more than just feeding; it is an expression of who we are. All ancient cultures have sophisticated culinary traditions as it is embedded in us to be social, to gather and share. This applies to cooking at home. Does it have complicated? Not at all, but it sometimes includes effort, and it is an expression of love and care. We are all partial to some flavors, and I believe it relates to what we are exposed to. What are Spanish flavors? The following recipes have, for me, the taste of Spain. In this batch I have included a vegetable recipe, as per request from +Charmaine Chow.

1)      “Pork Loin Chops with parsley”: it can be prepared with either bone-in (my suggestion for family dinner) or boneless (my suggestion for entertaining).

a.      Tools: large frying pan or skillet, hand blender or mortar.

b.      Ingredients: 6 thin cut pork loin chops, 3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, pinch of kosher salt, ¼   tsp. of piment d’espelette (red pepper from the Basque country)  or substitute with ¼  or tsp. of sweet paprika, 1-2 sprigs of fresh parsley finely chopped.

c.       Procedure: put the parsley, pepper, and 2 Tbsp of oil in a tall jar or pitcher and use the hand blender until it becomes a finely chopped paste, reserve. Alternatively you can use a mortar and pestle to mash the parsley and pepper, and then add and mix the oil. Place the skillet in high heat and add the rest of the olive oil. Fry the pork for about 2 minutes until golden on both sides and moist inside, serve and add the parsley paste on top of the pork steaks. You can feel the mixed of flavors without being too strong. I know you will love it.

2)      “Caramelized Carrots”: these will go great  with “Pork Loin Chops with parsley”

a.      Tools: 11 inches nonstick skillet or sauté pan

b.      Ingredients: 4 large carrots peeled and chopped into ½ inch cubes, 3 Tbsp of unsalted butter.

c.       Procedure: place the sauté pan at medium to high heat and melt the butter. Saute the carrots for a few minutes making sure they do not burn or brown. Lower the heat to medium to medium low heat and continue to cook and stir frequently for about 40 minutes until they develop a nice glazed aspect (they will be caramelized). Serve. They will have a nice sweet, deep flavor that will surprise you. Try it.

Enjoy