Middle Eastern Spiced Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or mint

Instructions

1. Season pork: Pat pork chops dry and rub with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.

2. Sear chops: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest.

3. Caramelize onions: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sauté onions with a pinch of salt over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until golden and tender. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes.

4. Deglaze: Add lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Serve: Spoon caramelized onions over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint if desired.

Notes

• For juicier chops, let rest 5 minutes before slicing
• Pairs well with couscous, pilaf, or flatbread
• Substitute pork with chicken thighs or lamb chops for variation
• Add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a spicy edge