Pork steak with pasta and olives

Pork steak with pasta and olives – a quick and delicious recipe

I propose a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Pork steak with pasta and olives can be prepared in just 25 minutes, so get ready to delight your taste buds with a dish that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Total preparation time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (approx. 500 g)
- 200 g pasta (preferably Farfalle, but you can use other types)
- 3 tablespoons of pitted olives, sliced
- 3 tablespoons of sweet mustard
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar (wine or balsamic, depending on preferences)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying

Before you start cooking, let me give you some useful tips about the ingredients. First, choose quality pork chops with a moderate amount of fat, which will add juiciness to the dish. Farfalle pasta is ideal due to its shape, which holds the sauce better, but you can experiment with any pasta you prefer. The olives add flavor and a pleasant contrast to the pork.

Start by preparing all your ingredients so that everything is at hand. This is a good organizational technique that will help you cook efficiently.

Step 1: Marinating the meat
In a bowl, mix the mustard, olive oil, vinegar, thyme, and basil well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Add the pork chops to this mixture and let them marinate for 10 minutes. This marinating will not only add flavor to the meat but also make it more tender.

Step 2: Preparing the pasta
Meanwhile, in a large pot, add 1.5 liters of water with a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 15 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Frying the meat
In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Remove the chops from the marinade and fry them until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes on each side). The delicious aroma of the fried meat will fill your kitchen!

Step 4: Preparing the sauce
Once the meat is nicely browned, add the remaining marinade to the skillet, along with half a cup of water, the sliced olives, and the minced garlic. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to combine and create a rich and savory sauce.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to a large bowl. Pour the sauce from the pork steak over the pasta and mix well, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Serving
Divide the pasta and pork chops onto plates and serve immediately while hot. You can also add some fresh basil leaves for a more elegant look and extra aroma.

Serving suggestions:
This pork steak with pasta pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine can wonderfully complement the meal, adding a touch of elegance.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork is an excellent source of protein and contains B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism. Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, contributing to cardiovascular health. Pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Sure! You can adapt the recipe using chicken breast or thighs, keeping in mind that the cooking time may vary.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the pork with tofu or tempeh, which can be marinated and fried similarly.
3. How can I vary the flavors?
Instead of basil and thyme, you can try oregano or rosemary, which will provide a different aromatic profile to the dish.

I hope this recipe for pork steak with pasta and olives inspires you to cook with pleasure and enjoy every bite. So, prepare your ingredients, invite some friends, and savor this delicious dish together! Enjoy your meal!