Pork Chops with Pesto Stuffing
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board
Preparation facts
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 pork rib chops, cut 1-1/4 inches thick
1/2 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs pine nuts
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
3 Tbs olive oil
3-4 slices white bread, lightly toasted and torn into 1/4-inch
pieces
2 Tbs water
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
With a sharp knife cut opening in the rib side of each chop. Insert
knife in each opening and cut a pocket without cutting through to other side of chop. Set
chops aside.
Place basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and garlic in blender
container or food processor bowl. Blend or process about 30 seconds or until finely chopped.
With blender or food processor running, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Transfer mixture to a
small bowl; stir in bread pieces. Sprinkle water over bread mixture, tossing lightly to
combine.
Spoon about 1/2 cup stuffing mixture into each chop. In a large
skillet, brown chops on each side in the remaining hot oil. Place chops in a large baking
dish; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F. oven for 45 minutes
to 1 hour or until tender.
Nutrition facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Calories 387
Calories from Fat 241 (62%)
% Daily Value*
41%Total Fat 27g
36%Saturated
Fat 7.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Monounsaturated Fat 14.1g
20%Cholesterol 60mg
12%Sodium 295mg
11%Potassium 391mg
4%Total
Carbohydrate 11g
4%Dietary
Fiber 1g
Sugars 1g
Sugar Alcohols 0g
49%Protein 25g