Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta

This warm, homey dinner is actually fast food—the good kind. Lean, pork sirloin chops sear quickly, in less than 10 minutes for a lightly charred outside and tender inside. And creamy polenta is a tasty alternative to mashed potatoes. Once the liquid comes to a boil, the dish is ready, again, in less than 10 minutes.

I usually use all chicken broth to make polenta, but for this recipe I used skim milk with a little broth to give the dish an even creamier consistency. A little chopped sage and Parmesan cheese provide a flavorful finish.

Note: If you don’t use Parmigiano-Reggiano, try another Parmesan or hard Italian cheese that you can grate yourself. No pre-grated stuff in a can, please!

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb pork sirloin chops, about 3/4-inch thick
• 1/4 tsp chile powder
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups nonfat milk
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2/3 cup quick-cooking polenta
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 tsp finely chopped fresh sage, plus more for garnish
• broiled or steamed asparagus, for serving (optional)

Pork Sirloin Chops 

Polenta Cornmeal

Grated Parmesan

Preparation

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the pork with chile powder, salt, and pepper and sear until browned and just cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Cut the pork across the grain into thin slices.

Seasoned Pork

Pork Beginning to Sear

Seared Pork

1. Meanwhile, bring the milk and broth to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually pour in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 6-7 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and 2 teaspoons of chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more sage. 

Milk Mixture Beginning to Simmer 

Polenta Added

Cooked Polenta

Cheese and Sage Added

Serve the pork and polenta with asparagus on the side, if desired.

Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta

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