Pomegranate Gastrique Recipes

PORK CHOPS WITH APPLES AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Trim the chops of excess fat. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a 14-inch cast-iron skillet (if you have a smaller one, you'll need to work in batches) over high heat, and then swirl in the olive oil. Lay in the pork chops and don't move them for a few minutes, to assure a good golden sear forms. Turn and brown well on the second side for a total of about 10 minutes. Transfer the chops to a warm plate.
• Swirl the butter into the pan. Add the onion and apples. Saute until the onion slices are lightly caramelized and the apples have begun to soften, about 8 minutes. Stir in the beer or other liquid. Return chops to the pan.
• Cook until the pork is tender, about 15 more minutes (depending on the size of the chops), turning halfway through and covering the chops with the apple mixture. If the apple mixture needs a little thickening, transfer the chops to the warm plate again and simmer the mixture on high for a few minutes to reduce. Serve the chops over rice or mashed potatoes with a large spoonful of the apple-onion mixture over the top.

POMEGRANATE AND FENNEL GLAZED RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°:. Mix oregano, olive oil, 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, and 2 tablespoons fennel seeds in a small bowl; season oregano mixture with salt and pepper.
• Toss fennel, onion, remaining 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, and remaining 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses in a large baking dish or roasting pan; season with salt and pepper. Distribute evenly across bottom of pan.
• Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Cook 1 rack of lamb, fat side down, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Turn and cook until other side is just browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to dish with fennel mixture, placing fat side up, and rub with half of oregano mixture. Wipe out skillet and repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, second rack of lamb, and remaining oregano mixture.
• Roast lamb and vegetables until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of lamb registers 125°: for medium-rare, 25-30 minutes. Transfer lamb to a cutting board and let rest at least 10 minutes before carving.
• Serve lamb over vegetables topped with pomegranate seeds.