I think I just need to tell you just right up front here that my husband claimed these Pan Seared Pork Chops with Pear Mostarda as the best dinner I’ve made him in months. I cook for my guys pretty often- as you know, so this was quite the huge compliment. And I must say that I am most definitely in agreement on the awesome dinner assessment. When I’m making pork chops, I like to purchase the best I can find. The thick, bone-in chops from Whole Foods are perfect for this recipe.
Ironically, this isn’t even a recipe I created myself. It comes from Chef Elizabeth Falkner, and she created it for Harry & David using their amazing Royal Riviera® Pears. If you don’t have those special pears, use Bosc or Anjou pears. Those varieties will be most likely to hold their shape while cooking and won’t break down into mush. I have to tell you- this recipe may sound fancy and all using the term “Mostarda,” but it’s extremely easy to make at home. “Mostarda” is technically candied fruit cooked in a mustard-infused syrup (in this case- pears sautéed in honey and balsamic vinegar and mixed with mustard greens).
Harry & David:
I once had the opportunity to visit Harry & David and their pear orchards in person. They have quite the operation going with acres upon acres of well-tended, beautiful orchards. Their pears are watched closely and treasured and cared-for until they are just right for picking and shipping. I had a chance to meet someone in just about every part of the company- orchard workers, marketing execs, bow makers, basket packers, public relations reps, Moose Munch makers, and Charlie the Chocolate Scientist. I love the company and how they run things around there. These are good people. It’s a wonderful thing to get a box of these pears from Harry & David in the mail (they’ve been gifted to me a few times on surprise from friends and relatives over the years). They’re the sort of pear that will make you the pear lover you never realized you would be. SO perfectly sweet and crisp and delicious in every way. My favorite way to eat pears: chop them up and add them to a salad along with some blue cheese. And my new favorite way to eat them: in these Pan Seared Pork Chops with Pear Mostarda!
It’s not often that I really gush about a recipe and am excited to make it again and again, but this is one of those recipes. Pork is so often paired with apples, so it’s refreshing to see that it works wonderfully with pears too. These chops are lightly seasoned and quickly pan-seared before finishing off in the oven and topping with the pear mostarda. The sauteed pears are mixed with torn mustard greens, also a nice complement to the dish. Try this recipe- enjoy!
Here are a few more pear-themed recipes you might like to try:
Fresh Pear Pie Pear and Fennel Soup Pear Bread Spiced Pear Cake with Browned Butter Icing Pear and Ginger Muffins Apple- Pear Sauce Maple Ginger Pear Crisp Maple Cheesecake with Roasted Pears
