Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A Good Meal and a Little Dreaming...


If you're still not sure what to have for dinner tonight, let me help.

Last weekend I decided to poke through my old cooking magazines for some fresh culinary inspiration. I came across a recipe in an old issue of the Dutch Delicious and the picture alone prompted me to try it- it looked so appetizing! The recipe is for grilled pork chops served with green olives (how I love green olives!), cherry tomatoes, onions and tagliatelle. The flavors were a perfect combination- lemon and mustard and a little sprinkling of basil at the end. I served the meal with a bottle of wine purchased in Burgundy last summer- and speaking of French wines- next Saturday we are headed to Ardèche for another glorious two- week French vacation! I can already picture myself guzzling bottle after bottle of fantastic wine, talking to charming vignerons, wandering through wonderful markets and eating my body weight in warm baguettes with jambon cru! Can't wait!

But enough fantasizing for now. Let's get back to this amazing meal...

Here's the recipe:

Grilled Pork Chops with Olives and Pasta
Serves 4


-1 lemon, the rind grated and the juice pressed

-1 tbsp grainy mustard
-5
tbsps olive oil
-freshly ground pepper

-4 pork shoulders, or 4 thin
entrecôtes
-300-500 g fresh tagliatelle
-2 cloves of garlic, sliced

-1 large onion, in thin sections

-400 g vine cherry tomatoes, halved
-150 g green olives, halved

-4 tbsps roughly chopped basil, plus extra for garnishing

Mix 2
tbsps of the lemon juice with the rind, mustard and 3 tbsps of the oil. Brush the marinade over the meat. Grind a good amount of pepper over the pork and grill the meat for 15- 20 minutes, 4-6 minutes if using entrecôtes. Turn them once and brush with more marinade. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Heat the rest of the oil in a big pan and saute the garlic and onions. Add the tomatoes and continue to cook while stirring for two minutes. Drain the pasta and add it, together with the olives, to the tomato- garlic mix. Stir in the basil and serve immediately with the meat. Garnish with more basil leaves.

12 comments:

Beatriz Macias said...

It seems like it is going to stop raining, so we will head out to grill, and this recipe looks easy and delicious... now I just have to figure out the Italian name of the cut of meat and I am set! Have fun in France!

Anonymous said...

This looks like my kind of dinner! And love the fact that you drink as much wine as I do :-)

Incidentally, the Pouilly Fume that you commented on in my blog was delicious but I think I'm allergic to something in it as I came out in a weird rash! That's not the kind of reaction you want to a nice tipple is it?!

Have a great gastro-trip in France!
Vicky

Paola Westbeek said...

Hi Beatriz, I'm sure you will love this meal! SO much flavor!

Hi Vicky, How nice to see you here! You're kidding me?! An allergic reaction?! Sounds very unpleasant!!
And yes, as long as the wine is good, I can guzzle like a pro! ;)

paola

julie said...

Have a fantastic holiday, Paola! Wish you could stop here on your way over!

Paola Westbeek said...

Don't tempt me Julie! You should realize you're making a dangerous offer there with that freezer full of goodies you have! ;)

paola

Nora B. said...

Delicious Paola, no wonder you had to make this recipe. And enjoy your French vacation, I admit that I feel very envious.

p/s:
I posted about the bunuelos y natilla. Thanks again for all your help!

Lisa said...

I am so excited for you & can't wait to see & hear about your vacation! Meanwhile, things are looking great there at Chez P&H&K!
Bon voyage!

Paola Westbeek said...

Hi Nora! Well you amazed me with those Colombian treats! Your friend is a lucky man!

Thank you Lisa! I'm counting the days! Just five more to go!!!

paola

Norm said...

Have a wonderful holiday Paola! Don't forget to buy LOTS of marrons glaces!

Anonymous said...

this meal just looks so light and refreshing! with the lovely wine, well, you can invite me over anytime!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow.. are you a cook? All the food on your blog looks divine! Even the pork chops - and I'm vegetarian! haha

Anonymous said...

Oh that looks wonderful Paola. You have an award waiting for you on my blog too :)