Pork Saltimbocca with Polenta

Traditional saltimbocca is made with thin slices of pounded veal, but lean pork chops update the recipe and provide more flavor. The butternut overtones of fontina cheese are also a pleasant addition. Top with a whole sage leaf for a handsome presentation.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 stuffed chop, about 4 teaspoons sauce, and 1/2 cup polenta)

Ingredients

• Pork:
• 6 (4-ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops, trimmed
• 6 very thin slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces)
• 6 large fresh sage leaves
• 1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) shredded fontina cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh sage
• Polenta:
• 2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
• 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup instant polenta
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

To prepare pork, place each chop between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Arrange 1 prosciutto slice over each chop; top with 1 sage leaf and about 1 tablespoon cheese. Fold chops in half to sandwich filling, and secure with wooden picks. Sprinkle both sides of chops with pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place flour in a shallow dish; dredge stuffed chops in flour.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chops; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; cover and keep warm.

Add wine to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits; cook until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 2 minutes). Add 1 cup broth; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 5 minutes). Stir in 1 tablespoon sage. Reduce heat to medium. Return chops to pan; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, turning once.

To prepare polenta, bring milk and 1 can broth to a boil. Gradually stir in polenta and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 2 minutes. Serve polenta immediately with chops and sauce.

Calories: 404