Pork and apple form a very tasty relationship, hence the suckling pig with an apple in its mouth and the traditional German way of serving pork with apple.

Apples are particularly tasty when oven-roasted with pork or when mashed in with potatoes and mustard for an interesting take on ordinary mash potatoes as we know it.

For today's meal the apple with its sharp mustard dressing really enhances the taste of the pork chops.

To give a pleasant taste balance between the pork and apple we will also use good paprika to coat the pork chops.

Because the apple in this dish is served raw and the crumbed pork chops just take a few minutes to cook, so this is a perfect dish for entertaining because it requires very little time in the kitchen.

To serve four helpings you need:

Ingredients

4 pork chops

1 tablespoon paprika powder (do use the more expensive smoky paprika – it makes all the difference)

1 to 2 cups coarse bread crumbs

Oil for shallow pan frying

For the salad:

2 red apples

2 Granny Smith apples

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

For the dressing:

1 cup of extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons avocado oil (or ordinary sunflower oil)

1 tablespoon loose brown sugar

1 Tablespoon of German, Dijon or hot English mustard

A grinding of coarse salt

Method

Mix all the dressing ingredients together well and set aside.

Core the apples but don’t peel them. Cut up into cubes.

Mix the apple and the dressing together, cover and place in the refrigerator while frying the pork chops.

Sprinkle the pork chops with the paprika.

Pour the crumbs on to a wooden surface and press the chips down fairly hard, turn and repeat until all four chops are covered.

Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the chops two at a time, drain on paper kitchen towels and serve immediately with the salad.

Wine recommendation

Howard Booysen Pegasus Cinsault 2011 – Stellenbosch – R59.00

Lovely aromatic aromas with fresh raspberry fruit leading to a silky smooth entry to the palate that offers creamy flavours of savoury red fruits with a long and satisfying finish.

Chill for half an hour in the fridge before opening.

To order, email Wine Concepts.