Name: Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric; 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper; half a head of fresh or cured Garlic; 1 teaspoon Smoked Garlic; 4 Pork Chops or Steaks

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These Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops are a simple but tasty way to incorporate some turmeric into your diet and enjoy all of the great flavors and health benefits.

Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops alongside grilled vegetables. — These turmeric garlic pork chops are so hearty and delicious!

Why You’ll Love Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops

We are already enjoying our recent garlic harvest – even though the bulbs aren’t dry yet, that isn’t stopping us from enjoying lots of fresh garlic every day. It’s delicious and the garlic heads are huge and beautiful. Here is a fantastic dinner recipe that uses garlic and turmeric.

We took out some of our homegrown pork steaks from the freezer. Those weaner pigs we raised last year are still rewarding us with great tasting pork. Here’s some great info about about raising and butchering pigs for your family if you’re interested yourself!

Graham wanted a recipe using turmeric with pork, and we found lots of great ideas, but….we haven’t been to the grocery store in a while and we didn’t have all the ingredients we needed.

So, Graham made one up – he loves cooking and often improvises. Here’s what he came up with!

Ingredients

turmeric – this spice has a distinct earthy flavor and boosts the immune system, works as an anti-inflammatory, and has a number of other benefits for your health!
cayenne pepper – gives your pork chops some added heat and plays perfectly off the turmeric.
garlic – this recipe uses fresh and smoked to give you a great variety and spectrum of flavors.
pork chops – pork is a great source of protein and also includes lots of vitamins and minerals that can contribute to cardiovascular health. We usually use bone-in pork chops.

How to Make Turmeric Pork Chops

Combine turmeric, cayenne pepper and smoked garlic and crush, using a mortar and pestle if needed.
Peel and finely dice a head of garlic and set aside.
Rub half of the spice mix into the surface of the pork chops. Turn over and do the same to the other side.
Be sure to rub your chops thoroughly with the spice mix and allow them to sit for that flavor to really develop.
Let the pork sit for a few minutes to let the flavor settle into the meat.
Heat your pan over medium-high heat, seasoning with the diced garlic.
Add the pork chops, turning them over half way through cooking. Make sure the chops are well cooked.
We always use our cast iron frying pan – ours is a Lodge, which is made in the US. It’s been used in our kitchen for years and we use it almost every day!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve with fresh garden veggies! We enjoyed freshly picked green beans and zucchini, lightly fried with (of course) more garlic. Broccoli, onions, and carrots also go perfectly with this meal.
Add a Cheddar Biscuit Bun or a nice side salad. This is another homegrown meal for us. A homegrown meal made even healthier with all that garlic and turmeric!
This spice rub is so simply and easy, so feel free to add other spices if you want to broaden the flavor profile! Black pepper, salt, ginger, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and other spices that are strong and warm will pair perfectly with the turmeric.
Serve over white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
If you really like the flavor, add another teaspoon ground turmeric. It’s good for you!
For extra flavor, add about a tablespoon fish sauce or oyster sauce while cooking.
Garnish with some thyme, parsley, or cilantro.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of acidic flavor.

Cooked pork chop on a plate with vegetables and a biscuit. — There are so many delicious sides that pair perfectly with these pork chops. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

Other Fantastic Dishes

Our entire Country Living in a Cariboo Valley Recipe Collection can be found here, but here are some highlights!

Our Homemade Granola makes for a hearty breakfast – mix it with yogurt or just a splash of milk.
These Bacon Wrapped Garlic Bites make a wonderful appetizer along with a glass of wine.
This homemade Crab Chowder makes for a filling dinner along with a biscuit and salad.

More Turmeric Recipes

Here’s a Smoothie Recipe using Turmeric.
How about either hot or cold iced teas?
Want to grow your own Turmeric? Here’s how!
Mother Earth has lots of information and recipes, why not try a Kraut with Tumeric?

Start incorporating this wonderful healthy spice into your family meals. Boost your immune system and improve your health!

A spoonful of turmeric. — Turmeric is healthy and tastes great on pork chops!

Want to find out which are The 5 Easiest Vegetables to Grow?

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