Creamy Smoky Chipotle Pork Chops (Paleo, Whole 30)

I got a helluva good deal on these (yay, Target!) and figured I’d do something fun with them. Paleo chipotle pork chops with avocado cream sauce seemed like a sufficient way to spice it up, right? I usually make this cream sauce for fish tacos (try it!) but I knew they’d be amazing with this dish to add to the smoky chipotle flavor of the pork chops.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 to 5 Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops (about 3/4 - 1 inch thick)

For the rub:

• 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
• 1 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp chipotle chili pepper spice
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp chipotle chili pepper spice

For garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by heating a large skillet to medium high heat.
2. Prepare your pork chops. Mix together ingredients for the rub, brush each pork chop with olive oil. Rub each side of the pork chops with spices, and use remaining olive oil to coat your skillet.
3. Cook your pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the center reaches 165 degrees and is only slightly pink. Reduce heat to low.
4. While the pork chops are cooking, mix together coconut milk, chipotle pepper, cilantro, and liquid smoke in a blender or food processor until smooth.
5. Once pork chops are cooked through, pour the sauce on top. Reduce heat to low, and scrape any bits of rub seasoning to add to the sauce.
6. Garnish with juice of 1 lime and extra cilantro (optional) and serve immediately.