Pork Chops with Raisins and Ancho Chiles

Raisins, ancho chiles and onions bake flavor into pork chops served with a creamy cilantro sauce.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 pork loin or pork rib chops (approximately 1 1/2 to 2 pounds total)
1 tablespoon olive oil or peanut oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 ounce ancho chiles (approximately 2 chiles)
1 yellow onion
1 red onion
1/2 cup raisins
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce:
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly salt and lightly brown the pork chops and place in baking dish.
3. Seed and stem chiles. Soak the chiles in warm water for 5 minutes. Tear the chiles into large pieces. Set aside.
4. Sauté onions in butter until lightly brown, add raisins, ancho chile pieces, salt and pinch of cinnamon.
5. Spoon the mixture over pork chops.
6. Bake the chops 30 minutes.
7. For Sauce: In the skillet add cream, cilantro and salt. Slowly bring the cream to a boil. Reduce heat and keep warm until ready to serve. Pour over chops and serve.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 810; Total Fat: 57g; Cholesterol: 230mg; Total Carbs: 25g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 48g; Sodium: 1190mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of California Raisin Marketing Board.