While my home and kitchen are at Casa Adora in the quiet village of Monte Lope Alvarez, I often find myself in Alcalá la Real for appointments. I never miss the chance to visit the local butcher there for a 'proper' thick-cut chop.

This Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop is the result of one of those trips. Back in the village, after a long walk with the rescued greyhounds, Issy and Poppy, through the local olive groves, there is nothing better than the smell of honey glazed blistered tomatoes and melting cheese filling the house. It’s simple, honest rural Andalucia cooking at its best.

Ingredients for the Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop

• 2 Thick-cut Pork Chops (Iberico or from the local butcher)

• 50g Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

• 1 Egg, beaten (for the wash)

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (from the Jaén groves, naturally)

• 200g Cherry Tomatoes

• 1 tbsp Capers, drained

• 1 tsp Honey (for the glaze)

• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

• Fresh Parsley for garnish

How to cook the perfect Crusted Pork Chop

1. Prep the Chop: Dip each pork chop into the beaten egg, then press firmly into the grated Parmesan until evenly coated.

2. The Blister: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and capers. Cook until the tomatoes begin to 'blister' and pop.

3. The Glaze: Stir in the honey to coat the tomatoes, then set them aside.

4. The Sear: In the same pan, fry the pork chops for 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the crust is golden and the pork is cooked through.

5. Serve: Top the chops with the honey-glazed tomatoes and capers. Perfect for a quiet night at Casa Adora.

The Flexible Chef's Proper Prep Tip:

To prevent the chop from curling as it hits the hot pan, use a sharp knife to make small slits through the skin and fat at 2cm intervals. Make sure you don't cut into the meat itself. This keeps the chop perfectly flat, ensuring your Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop gets an even, golden-brown finish across the whole surface.

A proper Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop: The perfect village dinner in Monte Lope Alvarez.

Find more pork recipes and food adventures here.

Wonky photos, proper food, genuine adventures — The Flexible Chef.