Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Sauced Grilled Pork Chops

Ingredients

Spice Rub

• 1 1/2 Tbsp kosher salt separated


• 2 Tbsp garlic powder


• 1 1/4 tsp black pepper separated


• 6 double-cut pork chops bone-in (cut 1 1/2"-2" thick)

Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Sauce

• 1 Tbsp J. Olive Co. EVOO


• 1/4 cup red onion minced (half of a small onion)


• 3 garlic cloves peeled and minced


• 3 cups (1 1/2 dry pints) fresh blueberries separated (if using frozen berries, thaw and reserve the liquid)


• 3/4 cups J. Olive Co. Blueberry balsamic


• 2 Tbsp tomato paste


• 1/4 cup, packed light brown sugar


• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce


• 1 Tbsp prepared dijon mustard


• 1/2 tsp chili powder


• 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves)

Directions

1. In a small bowl stir together 1 tablespoon of the kosher salt, the garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of the black pepper.


2. Store the spice rub in a mason jar on the countertop for up to a year or use immediately.

1. 
   
   On a parchment paper or foil-lined sheet pan arrange the pork chops in a single layer.


2. 
   
   Sprinkle a generous pinch of the spice rubs onto each side of the chops. Be sure to rub the seasoning into the chops with your fingers. Discard any remaining spice rub*.


3. 
   
   Put the sheet pan of pork chops in the refrigerator to absorb the seasoning while you preheat your grill.

1. 
   
   In a sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer in the pan, add the red onion and garlic.


2. 
   
   Sauté these until they are glossy and fragrant or about 3 minutes. The aromatics should take on a bit of color, however, if they start to brown too much, lower the temperature.


3. 
   
   Add 2 cups of the fresh (or frozen and thawed) blueberries to the pot.


4. 
   
   Stir to toss the berries into the sautéed aromatics.


5. 
   
   After 3 minutes the blueberries should start popping. Continue to cook the blueberry mixture, stirring frequently, for a few minutes longer to give the berries time to soften.


6. 
   
   After 1-2 minutes, add the balsamic vinegar to the pot, followed by the tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, chili powder, and the remaining salt and pepper.


7. 
   
   Bring this mixture up to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for 7-8 minutes.


8. 
   
   While the sauce is reducing, use the back of your spoon to smash some of the whole berries. If some of the blueberries are left whole, it's fine, but try to smash the majority of them.


9. 
   
   Once the sauce has reduced by half, add the fresh thyme. Continue simmering until you have two cups of sauce remaining in the pot- stirring and squishing berries as the sauce cooks- or for 7 minutes more.


10. 
    
    Remove the sauce from the heat, remove and discard the thyme stems.


11. 
    
    Transfer a third of the sauce to a bowl for brushing on the grilled chops. Leave the remainder of the sauce in the pot for reheating later with the remaining blueberries.


12. 
    
    Remove the pork chops from the fridge and allow them to warm up a bit at room temperature.

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.


2. Pat the surface of your pork chops with a paper towel to dry them. This will help you achieve a nice sear on the surface.


3. Place your chops onto the grill on the high-heat/direct-cooking side. Grill the chops for 4-5 minutes before flipping them over. The meat should be crisp and caramelized.


4. 
   
   Flip the chops, then use a silicone grill to brush the seared side with the Blueberry-Balsamic BBQ Sauce.


5. 
   
   Grill the chops on the second side for 4 more minutes.


6. 
   
   Flip the chops one last time. Brush sauce onto the second side, then move them to the indirect-heat side of the grill. If you have an adjustable grill, raise the grill's grate or lower the coals to accomplish this. Cook the chops, with the cover closed for five minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 145°F.


7. 
   
   Transfer the chops to a clean sheet pan or platter and allow them to rest for at least five minutes- under a tented piece of foil- before serving.


8. 
   
   While the meat is resting, stir the reserved blueberries into the finished sauce and reheat it over a low flame- just until it's warmed through and steaming. Once heated through, transfer the blueberry balsamic BBQ sauce to a serving bowl.


9. 
   
   Spoon more of the Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Sauce over the rested chops.


10. 
    
    Serve while hot. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 days.

NOTES: