Armenian Pork with Eggplant

Juicy cumin-sumac pork crowns a summery Armenian-style skillet of silky eggplant, ripe tomato, and red onion, finished with cool garlic yogurt.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $6
  • Calories per serving: 590 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Loin Boneless
    12 oz $2.99
  • Eggplant
    1 medium (about 1 lb) $1.99
  • Fresh Roma Tomato
    8 oz $1.29
  • Jumbo Red Onions
    4 oz $1.19
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Plain Greek yogurt
    1/2 cup
  • Fresh lemon juice
    1 tablespoon
  • Fresh parsley
    1/4 cup chopped
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground sumac
    1 teaspoon
  • Paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    1 1/4 teaspoons
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Olive oil
    3 tablespoons
  • Water
    2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cut 12 ounces pork loin crosswise into two 1-inch-thick chops and pat dry. Season all over with:

    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ground sumac
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Let the seasoned pork stand for 15 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

  2. 2.

    Prepare the vegetables:

    • Cut 1 medium eggplant into 3/4-inch cubes
    • Dice 8 ounces Roma tomato
    • Thinly slice 4 ounces red onion
    • Mince 1 garlic clove

    Keep the tomato separate from the other vegetables.

  3. 3.

    Make the garlic yogurt by combining:

    • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1 minced garlic clove
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

    Set aside for serving.

  4. 4.

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and red onion, season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and nearly tender.

  5. 5.

    Add the prepared tomato, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons water to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato becomes saucy and the eggplant is tender. Transfer the eggplant mixture to a platter and cover loosely to keep warm.

  6. 6.

    Wipe out the skillet and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork for 4 to 5 minutes per side, reducing the heat to medium if the spices darken too quickly, until browned and the center reaches 145°F. Transfer to a board and rest for 5 minutes.

  7. 7.

    Slice the rested pork across the grain. Divide the eggplant mixture between two plates, arrange the pork on top, and spoon over the garlic yogurt.

Drink pairing: A dry rosé has enough freshness for the tomato and yogurt while complementing the warm spices and seared pork.