Country: Belgium Region / Locale: Mons Servings: Serves 4

Ingredients

• pork chops – 4 large
• onion – 2 medium / 240 g
• Belgian dark beer – 1 cup / 240 ml
• Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp / 30 g
• butter – 3 tbsp / 45 g
• flour – 2 tbsp / 16 g
• garlic cloves – 2 minced
• thyme – 1 tsp / 1 g
• salt – 1 tsp / 5 g
• black pepper – 1 tsp / 2 g
• vegetable oil – 2 tbsp / 30 ml

Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the onions and cook over medium heat until they are caramelized, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and flour, cooking for another minute.
5. Slowly pour in the Belgian dark beer, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add thyme and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
6. Return the pork chops to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
7. Serve the pork chops with generous amounts of sauce poured over them.

Substitutions

• Belgian dark beer -> any dark stout or porter
• Dijon mustard -> whole grain mustard
• butter -> margarine

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Consider marinating the pork in beer and herbs overnight for enhanced flavor.
• Try adding smoked bacon lardons for additional depth and texture.
• Use a blend of freshly ground peppercorns for a more complex spice profile.