Maiale alla Pizzaiola (Pork Chops in Tomato and Oregano)
Pan seared pork chops simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce with oregano and olives, ready in under 40 minutes.
Made with Basic tomato sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.73 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Pat the chops dry and season with the salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat the oil in a wide frying pan over a medium high heat. Sear the chops for 3 minutes on each side until golden, then lift onto a plate.
6 min - 3
Lower the heat and add the garlic and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in your ready made basic tomato sauce (see the base recipe) with the water and add the olives. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Slide the chops back in, with any juices. Cover and cook gently for 12 minutes, turning once, until the pork is cooked through with no pink and the juices run clear.
12 min - 6
Scatter over the parsley and serve with mashed potato, crusty bread or buttered pasta.
Tips
- Choose chops at least 2 cm thick so they stay juicy in the sauce.
- Add the olives at the start so the sauce picks up their savoury, briny flavour.
- Check the pork is cooked to 70 degrees in the middle, or until there is no pink and the juices run clear.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 90 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Questions
Can I use other cuts of pork?
Yes. Pork steaks, tenderloin medallions or thin escalopes all work. Adjust the simmering time: thin cuts need only 5 to 6 minutes.
Does this have to include olives?
No. Leave them out for a plainer sauce, or use capers for a sharper bite. Rinse capers well first.
Is it gluten free and dairy free?
Yes. It contains only pork, tomato sauce, herbs and olives, so it is gluten free, dairy free, egg free and nut free.
More made with basic tomato sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
