fresh, fresh, fresh!

I'm in Romania these days and someone keeps giving us tomatoes. I really don't even like tomatoes unless they're cooked into something and well-disguised, but apparently someone thinks my roommate and I can eat dozens of fresh tomatoes... And then today she walks in with part of a pig that someone butchered today. To be more specific, she walked in eating pigskin, which I quickly recognized as such and refused to taste. Then she presented two beautiful pork chops, just hours after I mentioned wanting some good meat for supper tonight.

With all those tomatoes, fresh boneless pork chops, and a pack of spaghetti laying around... you know what happened next: pork chop parmesan! This was possibly the healthiest, easiest, and therefore most delicious meal I've ever cooked.

Pork Chop (or Chicken!) Parmesan for One*
1 boneless pork chop or boneless skinless chicken breast
Mrs. Dash Original (or italian seasoning blend of your choice)
2 medium tomatoes, peeled (a bit messy, but easy)
1 fresh garlic clove, pressed (or equivalent amount of crushed garlic)
salt
sugar
black pepper
olive oil
spaghetti, approximately 1/2" - 3/4" bundle raw
1/8 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

If you have a meat pounder, beat the pork or chicken to an ideal thickness of 1/2 inch (or as close as possible). If your meat is already this size, then skip the pounding. Lightly salt meat and sprinkle one side with seasoning blend, then set aside.

While preparing tomato sauce, boil 1 1/2 - 2 cups water in a small pot and cook spaghetti, removing from water when tender.

For the sauce, heat 1 tsp. olive oil on low-medium in a nonstick skillet; cut tomatoes into small pieces and add to skillet, along with garlic. When tomatoes begin to sizzle, reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently. Add a pinch each of salt, sugar, and black pepper. Break up tomato chunks as desired; when tomatoes have reduced to a smooth sauce, remove to a small bowl and set aside.

In the same pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil on medium heat. When oil begins to spread, place meat, seasoned side down, in center of skillet. Cook 3-5 minutes until sides begin to darken, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Cut a small slice in the center to check for doneness. Pork chops cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them, especially if they are thin.

In a shallow bowl/plate, place meat on top of spaghetti, then top with tomato sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Voila! Pofta buna, bon apetit!

*For extra mouths (or leftovers), simply multiply ingredients by the number of servings.