PORK CHOPS ALLA FIORENTINA

Pork Chops alla Fiorentina image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 50m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 to 3 bone-in pork loin chops (about 12 ounces each)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and cut in half
One 5-ounce container baby spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 large lemon)

Steps:

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dry the pork chops well on both sides using paper towels and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt.
Add the oil to the pan and heat an additional 30 seconds. Add the pork chops to the pan and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown and beginning to look cooked around the edges, about 5 minutes. Flip the chops, lower the heat to medium and cook, searing the edges as well, until golden brown and the center reaches 140 to 145 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate to rest and carry-over cook.
Return the pan to medium heat and add the butter, shallots and garlic. Cook until fragrant and soft, about 1 minute. Add the spinach to the pan along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often until wilted. Stir in the mascarpone, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water and bring to a simmer. Stir in any juices from the pork that have accumulated on the plate and cook for 2 minutes longer. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve.