Spiced Kurobuta Pork Chops

1. 1

   Mix Aleppo pepper, paprika, coarse salt, ground Malabar pepper, and fresh sage in small bowl. Brush pork on both sides with 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle generously with all of spice mixture; press to adhere. Spread flour on plate. Dredge pork in flour; shake off excess.

2. 2

   Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until brown, 3 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 145u00b0F, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Serve pork with Braised Bacon, Pomegranate, and Pine Nut Relish.

4. 4

   *Ground Aleppo pepper from Syria has a moderate heat level and tastes slightly sweet. It is available at some specialty foods stores and by mail from Surfas (310-559-4770; surfasonline.com).

5. 5

   **Malabar peppercorns, from the coast of western India, are especially pungent and zesty. They are available in the spice section of some supermarkets and by mail from The Spice Hunter(800-444-3061; spicehunter.com).

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.