Pork Chops with Roasted Parsnips, Pears and Potatoes

Step 1

In a large roasting pan, mix 3/4 cup of the olive oil with the garlic, rosemary, lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Arrange the pork chops in the pan in a single layer and turn to coat. Marinate the chops for 1 hour at room temperature or for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator; return to room temperature before roasting.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 425° and position the racks in the top and bottom of the oven. Remove the pork chops from the marinade; scrape off the rosemary, lemon and garlic and let the marinade drip back into the roasting pan. Transfer the chops to a platter.

Step 3

Add the parsnips, pears and potatoes to the roasting pan, season with salt and toss to coat with the marinade. Spread the vegetables on 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Roast for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender; shift the baking sheets from top to bottom and turn them front to back halfway through roasting.

Step 4

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in each of 2 large skillets. Season the pork chops with salt, add them to the skillets and cook over high heat until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Set 4 pork chops on the vegetables on each baking sheet and roast for about 5 minutes for slightly pink meat. Transfer the pork chops and vegetables to a large platter and serve with the Minted Bread Vinaigrette.