Grilled Tuscan-Style Pork Chops with Bell Peppers, Capers & Olives

adapted from Mario Batali's Italian Grill.

This recipe embellishes pork chops with a colorful bell pepper topping.

1 c. kosher salt
1 c. brown sugar
12 black peppercorns
4 bay leaves
6 thick-cut pork chops

4 Tbls. good olive oil
3 red peppers
3 yellow peppers
1 yellow onion
1/4 c. black olives (Gaeta, Kalamata)
1 Tbls. red pepper flakes
3 Tbls. small capers
1 c. dry white wine
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large 5-6 quart pot, add about 2 cups of water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1 cup brown sugar and heat until salt and sugar dissolve. Let cool. Add 12 black peppercorns, 4 bay leaves and about 16 cups (4 quarts) of cold water. Stir. Add pork chops, cover and refrigerate overnight. Note: We brined our pork chops directly in our stock pot; however, you can transfer the brine and chops to another container, if needed.

The next day, core, seed and cut peppers into thin strips. Halve and slice onion. Pit and chop olives. Then, heat olive oil in a large saute pan and add peppers, onions, olives, red pepper flakes and capers. Saute for about 12 minutes, until soft. Add wine and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn off heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Preheat grill. Drain the chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Place chops on hottest part of grill and let cook for about 7 minutes, UNMOVED. Then, with tongs, do not flip, but turn chops about 90 degrees to create a crosshatch pattern. Let cook for another 4 minutes, then flip chops over and cook for another 5-8 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Place the pepper mixture on a platter and lay the chops on top to serve.

About Brining Brining was originally used to preserve meat and fish when there was no refrigeration. It is still a wonderful technique used to make meat tender, especially cuts that lack fat (pork and poultry), and keep meat moist during cooking. A light brine of salt, water, a little sugar, spices and/or herbs is most common.