Pork Chops with Fresh Green and Red Cabbage

Prep Total time :  45 minutes                  Serves  4

1/2            teaspoon fennel seeds
1-1/2         teaspoons caraway seeds
1               teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2            teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4               bone-in center-cut pork chops, each about 1 in. thick (about 2 1/4 lbs. total) 
1/4            pound thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-in. slices 
2               cups shredded green cabbage 
2               cups shredded red cabbage
1               tablespoon sherry vinegar or cider vinegar

 1.       Combine fennel seeds, 1 tsp. caraway seeds, salt, and pepper in a mortar (see Notes) and coarsely crush with pestle. Sprinkle mixture over pork chops and set chops aside.
2.       In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
3.       Add pork chops to pan and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides and cooked through (cut into center to check), about 8 minutes total. Transfer pork chops to a rimmed plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
4.          Add cabbage to pan and cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage is wilted, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds, the vinegar, and bacon; cook 2 minutes.
5.         Pile cabbage on a platter and arrange pork chops on top. Pour on any accumulated pork juices and serve immediately.

TIP:
If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can crush your spices by whirling them in a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder.

Here's a hearty, tangy dish for a chilly autumn night. Pork, cabbage, and caraway—a classic German combination—pair well with crisp, dry Riesling.