PORK CHOPS WITH SPRING SLAW

My Cellar

Serves 4

DRESSING:

1 tbsp (15 ml) tahini

¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt

1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice

3 tbsp (45 ml) water

1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin seed

1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

PORK CHOPS:

1½ cups (375 ml) Japanese panko breadcrumbs

½ cup (125 ml) sesame seeds

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour

4 pork chops, about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick

2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil, plus extra

2 cucumbers, sliced into ribbons with a vegetable peeler

6 oz (180 g) green beans, blanched and cut in half lengthwise

4 cups (1 L) baby spinach leaves, sliced into ¼-in (0.5 cm) width strips

¼ cup (60 ml) natural almonds, toasted and chopped

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and quartered

GREEN OLIVE SALSA:

1 cup (250 ml) pitted green olives, finely chopped

2 tbsp (30 ml) capers, rinsed

1 cup (250 ml) fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

1 cup (250 ml) fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice

3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

pinch chili flakes, optional

To make DRESSING: Place tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, water, oil and cumin in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
To make PORK CHOPS: Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
Mix panko and sesame seeds on a dinner plate. On another plate, place beaten eggs and on a third plate place flour.
Season pork chops with salt and pepper before coating in flour, shaking off any excess. Working with one pork chop at a time, dip into egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with remaining pork chops.
Heat oil in a large cast iron frying pan over medium heat. Add as many pork chops as will fit, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a rimmed baking tray lined with parchment paper and fry remaining chops, adding more oil as needed. Once all chops have been browned, bake until cooked to desired doneness. Set aside and keep warm.
While pork chops bake, place cucumber slices, beans, spinach and almonds in a large bowl. Add some dressing and toss to combine. Divide salad among serving plates. Top with an avocado quarter, an extra drizzle of dressing (if desired) and a cooked pork chop. Spoon some Green Olive Salsa over pork chop and serve immediately.
To make GREEN OLIVE SALSA: In a bowl, stir together all ingredients and set aside for 20 minutes. Salsa is best served the same day it is made. Makes about 1½ cups (375 ml)