GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH PLUM MOSTARDA

Note:  Mostarda is the sharp Italian condiment consisting of candied fruit and mustard.  I cooked these with my indoor smokeless grill from Amazon. https://amzn.to/3zgrglV and served it with Hot Water Cornbread. These jammy-grilled plums in a mustard vinaigrette make the salad and pork chops come alive!

Ingredients:

1 medium shallot, finely chopped

¼ cup of red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar

2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard

½ cup of EVOO, plus more for the grill

2 teaspoons of finely chopped oregano

Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

4 large plums, halved and pitted

2-3 1” bone-in pork chops

4 teaspoons of light brown sugar

½ teaspoon of smoked paprika

4-6 ounces of baby arugula, or about 4 cups.  If using regular arugula, be sure to remove tough stems.

Directions:

Whisk together the shallot, vinegar, whole grain mustard, granulated sugar, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl.  Gradually stream in the ½ cup of oil, whisking quickly until everything is blended or emulsified.  Whisk into that the oregano and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Set the vinaigrette aside.

Prepare your grill for medium-high heat and oil the grate once hot.  Grill the plums cut side down, until nicely charred and fruit releases easily from the grill – or about 2-3 minutes.  Transfer the plums to your cutting board and let cool.