Mediterranean Pork Chops with Olive Tapenade

These Mediterranean-inspired pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The key to their success is the olive tapenade, a flavorful mixture of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. The tapenade not only adds flavor to the pork chops, but it also helps to keep them moist during cooking. Serve these pork chops with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where pork is a popular meat. In many Mediterranean countries, pork is often cooked with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. These ingredients add a delicious, savory flavor to the pork, and they also help to keep it moist. This recipe is a modern take on a classic Mediterranean dish. It uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread the olive tapenade evenly over the pork chops.
4. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Why It Works

• The olive tapenade adds flavor and moisture to the pork chops.
• The pork chops are cooked in a hot oven, which helps to seal in the juices.
• The pork chops are cooked until they are just cooked through, which helps to prevent them from becoming dry.