Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops With Chickpea Simmer

I remember the first time I made this dish. I was newly married, trying to impress my husband with my culinary prowess (or lack thereof!). The aroma of cumin and coriander filled our tiny apartment, a warm and inviting scent that promised something special. Even though I was a nervous cook back then, the recipe was so straightforward that I managed to pull it off without a hitch. We both loved the tender, spice-infused pork and the hearty, flavorful chickpea simmer. It became a weeknight staple, a comforting reminder of those early days.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (naturally)

Ingredients

For the Spice Rub:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pork:

• 4 center-cut pork loin chops (about 1 ¾ lbs)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Chickpea Simmer:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch hot pepper flakes
• 1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups packed fresh spinach, trimmed

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Nonstick skillet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpea Simmer: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and hot pepper flakes to the skillet. Fry until the onion is softened, approximately 3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. Combine and Simmer: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Set aside, keeping warm.
6. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the minced parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
7. Rub the Pork Chops: Evenly rub the spice mixture over both sides of each pork loin chop, ensuring they are well coated.
8. Cook the Pork Chops: In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
9. Sear and Cook: Add the spice-rubbed pork chops to the hot skillet. Fry for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop to ensure accuracy.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving with the chickpea mixture spooned over the top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the chickpea simmer just before serving. The acidity brightens the dish and complements the spices.
• To prevent the pork chops from drying out, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer and remove them from the heat when they reach 145°F (63°C), as they will continue to cook slightly as they rest.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, but the fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor.
• For a deeper flavor in the chickpea simmer, consider browning the onions and garlic for a longer time, being careful not to burn them. The caramelization adds a touch of sweetness.
• Make-ahead tip: The chickpea simmer can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even further.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the spice-rubbed pork chops hot, with a generous serving of the chickpea simmer spooned over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for visual appeal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Leftover pork chops and chickpea simmer can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the pork chops, you can pan-fry them briefly or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) to prevent them from drying out. Reheat the chickpea simmer on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the spinach may suffer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	866.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	236 g	27%
Total Fat	26.3 g	40%
Saturated Fat	6.2 g	30%
Cholesterol	313 mg	104%
Sodium	1286.5 mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate	44.7 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	10.4 g	41%
Sugars	6.6 g	26%
Protein	110.1 g	220%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicier kick: Add more hot pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chickpea simmer for a spicier dish.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the pork chops with grilled halloumi cheese or thick slices of eggplant for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean twist: Add chopped Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to the chickpea simmer for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Different Greens: Kale can be used instead of Spinach.
• Other Beans: Cannellini beans can be substituted in for chickpeas.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight, then cook them until tender before adding them to the simmer. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas to equal a 19-ounce can.

Q: How can I prevent the pork chops from becoming dry?

A: Avoid overcooking the pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

A: While the pork chops are best seared for optimal texture, the chickpea simmer can be made in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients except the spinach, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the spinach just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have all the spices for the rub?

A: If you’re missing a spice, you can adjust the amounts of the others to your taste. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a nice depth of flavor.

Q: Is there a substitute for the diced tomatoes?

A: Crushed tomatoes can be used instead of diced tomatoes. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes will add a depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Chickpea Simmer recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of savory pork and flavorful chickpea simmer is sure to please. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices and ingredients to make it your own. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete and memorable dining experience. Bon appétit!