Pork Steaks Braised with Tomato and Basil

Pork steaks simmer with Mediterranean flavors for a satisfying skillet meal. Serve with pasta or soft polenta, or Italian bread for mopping up the sauce.

4 pork blade steaks, 3/4-1 inch thick
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
8 basil leaves, minced

Stir together fennel, salt and pepper and rub on both sides of steaks.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, add garlic and cook and stir for 1 minute, until garlic is mellow but not browned. Add steaks, brown about 1 1/2-2 minutes on each side.

Pour tomatoes over steaks, bring to a boil, cover, lower heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until steaks are tender. Stir in basil.

Makes 4 servings
Source: National Pork Board