Rhubarb is an incredible inclusion in a chutney, lending sweetness and tang alongside all that vinegar and sugar. While it’s lovely with cheese and cold cuts, we’ve served it here alongside a big, thick pork chop, with deeply caramelised leeks and a bright mustard espagnole sauce. There’s plenty of chutney leftover, too – try it with duck, venison or with a pork pie.
Start by making the chutney. Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer and give everything a good stir. Cook for around 1 hour on a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Leave to cool, then transfer to a container. The chutney will keep in the fridge for up to a month
Put a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add a dash of vegetable oil followed by the leeks, cut-side down, and leave to sear undisturbed until they have a deep, dark char – don’t be afraid to leave them until they turn black. Set aside
Put the pan back over a medium-high heat. Season the pork chops well with salt and pepper, massaging in a little vegetable oil too. Sit the pork chops upright, fat-side down, for a minute, then lay them flat and sear for a minute or two (depending on thickness) on each side
Add the butter, thyme and garlic, then start basting the pork chops with the foaming butter for 2 minutes. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 70°C, remove the chops from the pan, pour over any remaining butter, discard the thyme and garlic and leave to rest while you make the pan sauce
Add the butter and flour to the pan, whisking to form a roux. Cook out for a few minutes until it browns, then add the tomato purée. Cook for another minute, then gradually add the hot beef stock, whisking between additions to remove any lumps
Once all the stock is incorporated, whisk in the mustard and cook for a few more minutes until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper
Serve the pork chops and burnt leeks on a plate, with a generous spoonful of the chutney alongside. Finish with the espagnole sauce
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