Aromatic and flavourful, cafreal masala consists of coriander leaves, green chillies, garlic, ginger and spices. It is so versatile and besides chicken, it can be used on paneer, fish, prawns, in meatballs, meatloaf, cutlets and even vegetables. These pork chops are marinated with the cafreal masala and baked. Served with potato wedges and salad, the chops are absolutely delicious and irresistible.
Key is to marinate the meat with the cafreal masala, overnight in the refrigerator. Baked in a 400 F or 200 C for 10 minutes and then broiled on both sides until done. Broiling is a method where food is cooked under direct high heat. When the oven is set to broil mode, the top heating element is ignited with the food placed on the uppermost rack around 4 inches from the burner. The intense heat quickly sears and cooks the food. You have to keep a watchful eye when broiling as the food cooks so fast that from a quick sear it can burn in no time. What we refer to as broiling in North America is known as grilling in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Key is to marinate the meat with the cafreal masala, overnight in the refrigerator. Baked in a 400 F or 200 C for 10 minutes and then broiled on both sides until done. Broiling is a method where food is cooked under direct high heat. When the oven is set to broil mode, the top heating element is ignited with the food placed on the uppermost rack around 4 inches from the burner. The intense heat quickly sears and cooks the food. You have to keep a watchful eye when broiling as the food cooks so fast that from a quick sear it can burn in no time. What we refer to as broiling in North America is known as grilling in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Baked Pork Chops Cafreal
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
8 bone-in pork chops (about 4 pounds or 1.800 kg)
salt
Grind to a paste (with very little water)
2 cups of coriander leaves with stalk or a small bunch
1/4 cup mint leaves
6 long green chillies
1/2 onion
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
8 cloves
10 peppercorns
2 cinnamon sticks (1.5” each)
4 large cloves of garlic
1” piece of ginger
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (khus khus)
6 cashewnuts
2 tablespoons vinegar
Method:
Wash and pat dry pork chops with absorbent paper towels. Season with salt.
Marinate pork chops with the ground paste, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 F or 200 C.
Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Place pork chops and bake for 10 minutes.
Adjust the oven rack to the topmost position and set the oven to broiler mode at 500 F or 260 C.
Keep the baking trays under the broiler for 5 minutes. Remove trays from the oven, turn the chops and broil for an additional 5 minutes till the chops are cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve pork chops with baked potato wedges.
Note:
Baked Potato Wedges
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
6 medium-sized potatoes
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
salt
Method:
Scrub, wash potatoes and cut into wedges with the skin.
In a bowl, toss the wedges with spice powders, olive oil and salt.
Preheat oven to 400 F or 200 C.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Place wedges, skin side down (standing upright) on the prepared sheet and bake for 20 minutes or till crisp.
Serve potato wedges with pork chops.
Note:
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
8 bone-in pork chops (about 4 pounds or 1.800 kg)
salt
Grind to a paste (with very little water)
2 cups of coriander leaves with stalk or a small bunch
1/4 cup mint leaves
6 long green chillies
1/2 onion
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
8 cloves
10 peppercorns
2 cinnamon sticks (1.5” each)
4 large cloves of garlic
1” piece of ginger
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (khus khus)
6 cashewnuts
2 tablespoons vinegar
Method:
Wash and pat dry pork chops with absorbent paper towels. Season with salt.
Marinate pork chops with the ground paste, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 F or 200 C.
Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Place pork chops and bake for 10 minutes.
Adjust the oven rack to the topmost position and set the oven to broiler mode at 500 F or 260 C.
Keep the baking trays under the broiler for 5 minutes. Remove trays from the oven, turn the chops and broil for an additional 5 minutes till the chops are cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve pork chops with baked potato wedges.
Note:
- Total cooking time in the oven is 20 minutes.
- Mint leaves were added in the cafreal paste as it complements the meat.
Baked Potato Wedges
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
6 medium-sized potatoes
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
salt
Method:
Scrub, wash potatoes and cut into wedges with the skin.
In a bowl, toss the wedges with spice powders, olive oil and salt.
Preheat oven to 400 F or 200 C.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Place wedges, skin side down (standing upright) on the prepared sheet and bake for 20 minutes or till crisp.
Serve potato wedges with pork chops.
Note:
- Red potatoes were used, which are buttery, high in potassium content and good for lowering high blood pressure. The red skin is loaded with vitamins and nutrients.
See More Pork Chop Recipes
