Roast Pork Chops with Fennel-Orange Compote
It isn’t often you can combine a few winter staples and create a novel, fresh-tasting dish that is easily varied, stands on its own, or forms the base for a variety of other foods. Yet a simple mélange of fennel and orange does all of these things and without a lot of effort. Take some slices of boneless pork, for example, marinate them briefly in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, pan-roast them, then serve them on a bed of the compote: the mingled juices are sheer delight. (I’ve presented the recipe that way here, but it is easy to cook the fennel-orange combination on its own.) Similarly, the compote works nicely as a bed for simple roasted cod, sautéed duck breast, and grilled chicken. There isn’t much technique to speak of here; you’ll know the dish is done when the orange juice bubbles become scarce. Just be sure not to cook the compote entirely dry; the orange juice sauce is a nice touch.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Sprinkle the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste and marinate them on a plate with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the lemon juice. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
Step 2
Trim the fennel, reserving some of the dill-like fronds. Cut the fennel, oranges, and onion into 1/8- to 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Step 3
Put the remaining olive oil in an 8-inch skillet or a saucepan that is at least 4 inches deep. Put half the fennel in the skillet, then top with half the orange, the onion, and the rosemary. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with the remaining fennel and orange. Pour in the orange juice and add more salt and pepper.
Step 4
Bring to a boil on top of the stove and cook over fairly lively heat, pressing the solids down into the liquid from time to time. When the mixture is no longer swimming in juice but not yet dry about 20 minutes it is done. Hold it at minimum heat while you finish the pork chops.
Step 5
Just before you judge the compote to be done, heat an ovenproof skillet over high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the pork chops with their marinade and immediately transfer the skillet to the oven (if you have a powerful vent, you can pan-grill the chops on top of the stove). Roast for 2 minutes, then turn and roast for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chops are done.
Step 6
Serve the chops on a bed of the compote. Mince the reserved fennel fronds and use as a garnish.
Variations
Step 7
Substitute grapefruit for the oranges or add the juice of a lemon or a lime to the mix.
Step 8
Vary the herb. Classic Western European herbs like rosemary, thyme, tarragon, and parsley are all naturals, but cilantro or finely minced lemongrass also add nice touches.
Step 9
Add finely minced peeled fresh ginger along with some garlic and soy sauce. A teaspoon or so of sesame oil finishes the compote nicely. Substitute peanut oil for the olive oil if you have it, or use a neutral oil like canola.
Step 10
Any meat, like steak, can be cooked like the pork. Grilled chicken, on or off the bone, works well, as does sautéed duck breast. You can also make the dish with fish: Try roasted delicate fillets, like cod or red snapper; or grilled shrimp; or swordfish, tuna, or salmon steaks.
