Baked Pork Chops with Vegetable Rice ππ
Overview:
Baked Pork Chops with Vegetable Rice is a delightful dish that not only looks appealing but also tantalizes the taste buds with its combination of succulent pork chops and flavorful vegetable rice. Originating from a magazine recipe several years ago, this dish has stood the test of time, earning its place as a beloved mealtime favorite. With a total preparation time of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, including both prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something hearty and satisfying. Let’s dive into the delightful world of flavors and aromas that this dish has to offer!
Ingredients:
- 2 pork chops
- 4-6 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 zucchini
- 1 roma tomatoes
- 1 sweet pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
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SautΓ© Pork Chops:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil.
- Brown the pork chops on both sides until they develop a golden crust.
- Once browned, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside for later use.
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Prepare Vegetable Rice Mixture:
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic.
- Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Stir in the long grain rice, curry powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
- Add the sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes, chopped sweet pepper, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and chicken stock to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Simmer and Bake:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and allow the vegetable rice mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the prepared vegetable rice mixture to a 13 x 9 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Nestle the browned pork chops into the rice mixture, pouring any accumulated juices from the meat over the top for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed, creating a deliciously fragrant and cohesive dish.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Plate up the baked pork chops with a generous portion of vegetable rice, ensuring that each serving is a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Serve hot and enjoy the satisfaction of indulging in a homemade meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 616
- Fat: 22.5g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Cholesterol: 140.9mg
- Sodium: 583.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 50.7g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 7.3g
- Protein: 49.4g
Conclusion:
Baked Pork Chops with Vegetable Rice is a wholesome and flavorful dish that brings together the goodness of tender pork chops with a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and comforting textures. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to delight your senses and leave you craving for more!