Ingredients

  • 2 medium shallots. finely chopped
  • 1/2 bunch thyme, leaves only, finely chopped
  • 2 serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded, and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup extravirgin olive oil
  • 6 (1inch thick) loin pork chops
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 2 small cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced habanero chile
  • 2 tablespoons fruity olive oil

Method

  • In a small glass or ceramic bowl, whisk together the shallots, thyme, chile, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Drizzle the oil over in a thin stream, whisking all the time, until the mixture is emulsified.
  • Set aside, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 hours.
  • Trim off any excess fat from the chops and place them in a shallow ceramic or glass roasting dish that will hold them all in one layer.
  • In a nonreactive bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, chile, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
  • Pour the marinade over the chops, coating both sides, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 and up to 3 hours.
  • Bring the chops to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking, and shake dry.
  • In a large castiron skillet, or in 2 skillets if necessary, heat the remaining tablespoon oil over mediumhigh heat and cook the chops for 5 to 7 minutes on each side (the chops could also be broiled or grilled).
  • Serve immediately, garnished with thyme vinaigrette.