Chili-Rubbed Pork Chops



2 large onions
1/3 cup New Mexico chili powder
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cloves garlic, smashed
8 thin-cut boneless pork chops (about 2 pounds total), trimmed
Vegetable oil, for brushing

1. Roughly chop 1/2 onion and place in a blender with the chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the oregano, cumin, cloves and garlic. Puree, adding about 1/3 cup water to make a thick paste.
2. Slice the remaining 1 1/2 onions into thin rings and place in a bowl with the chili puree and pork; toss to coat.
3. Lightly brush a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan with vegetable oil and place over high heat until almost smoking. Place 4 pork chops in the skillet and surround with half of the onions. Cook until the pork starts to blacken on the outside and is cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining pork chops and onions.

Yield: 4 servings

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