Jose Bengoa, Yolanda Bolivar, and Gabriel Antunez, the BBQ Freaks of San Juan, Puerto Rico developed this easy method for infusing a sweet clove and nutmeg accent into your next back of pork chops. Finished with a tamarind glaze, these chops will likely be unlike any your guests have tried before. You can buy tamarind pulp at health food stores and in Asian, Hispanic, and Indian food stores. We advise throwing in a few extra chops for guests who will want seconds. For a variation, try grilling the brined chops over charcoal or gas, followed by smoking at 250°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Note: You can also make these in the oven. First, sear the chops in very hot oil in a shallow pan for about 5 minutes on each side. Place in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until they register 145ºF on a meat thermometer. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
