GRILLED PORK CHOPS with BLACKBERRY-ONION COMPOTE
Adapted via The Devil Wears Parsley
Serves: 6

Ingredients
For Pork:
♦ 6 boneless pork loin chops
♦ 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
♦ 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
♦ 1 tbsp white sugar
♦ 1 tsp dried thyme
♦ 1 tsp kosher salt
♦ 1/3 cup dijon mustard

For Compote:
♦ olive oil
♦ 2 large red onions, halved and thinly sliced
♦ kosher salt
♦ 3 cups fresh blackberries
♦ white wine
♦ 1/4 to 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
♦ 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
♦ water

Directions:
Prepare the pork: Combine the garlic powder, sugars, thyme and salt in a small bowl, and set aside. Rub each pork chop with mustard (about 1 tablespoon per chop), and coat both sides with the spice mixture. Refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to overnight.

Make the compote: heat oil in a large heavy skillet. Once shimmering, add the onions and lower the heat; cook until browned and nearly translucent, about 30 minutes (monitoring the heat so as not to burn them). Once browned, add the blackberries and increase the heat to medium, cooking for an additional two minutes. Add a large splash of white wine, and cook until nearly evaporated. Add the vinegar and thyme. Reduce the mixture to a simmer, cooking until the berries are broken down and the sauce is thickened; add water as needed, by tablespoons (Note: compote can be made a day ahead – refrigerate, and bring to room temperature before serving).

Grill the pork: Heat grill to medium-high heat, and add the chops – grill about 5 minutes per side, or until their internal temperature reaches 145° F. Once done, place chops on a platter and cover with foil – allow to sit for 10 minutes. Top each with compote, and enjoy!

To read more about this dish and my musical pairing, click HERE.