A Southern Italian Classic: Pork Chops with Vinegar Peppers

Pork Chops with Vinegar Peppers

These easy pork chops are a great old-school Italian dish.  Super spicy and full of flavor, this is my husband's favorite way to enjoy pork chops, just like his father.  They're so simple–just like all good Italian food, it's just combining a few good ingredients.  Uncomplicated food is often the best.

Pork Chops with Vinegar Peppers
Serves 2
<click here for printable recipe>

1 cup hot cherry peppers
2 bone-in pork chops, about an inch thick
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (add a little salt and pepper to the flour)
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup vinegar brine from cherry pepper jar

1) Slice the cherry peppers.  Wash your hands afterward and be careful about touching your eyes!

Slicing the cherry peppers.  Hot stuff!

2) Season the pork chops with salt and pepper and dredge them in the seasoned flour.  Shake off any excess flour.

Chop, floured

3) Heat the olive oil over high heat in a saute pan and add the chops.  Cook 2 minutes per side over high heat until browned on both sides, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium.  Cook for about 4-5 more minutes, then remove to a plate and set aside.

 

4) Add the garlic to the same pan with the drippings and saute over medium-low heat for about a minute, stirring, then add the sliced hot cherry peppers and the brine.  Stir any browned bits up from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, then add the pork chops and any accumulated juices to the sauce.  Cover and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.  Serve with lots of water–this is one spicy dish!

The finished dish. Buon Appetito!