Lou’s Pork Chops Pizzaiola Style
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Category: Pork
Servings: 4-6 servings
Description:
A delicious, tender pork chop recipe that takes little time to prepare but yields incredible flavor. With the bone-in pork chops simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish offers a beautiful balance of savory and herbaceous notes, perfect when paired with pasta and a fresh salad. The key to this recipe’s success is using bone-in pork chops, which give the sauce an extra depth of flavor as the pork cooks slowly until it becomes tender and practically falls off the bone. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your family and friends, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in center-cut pork chops | 4-6 chops |
| Plum tomatoes (canned) | 2 cans |
| Fresh basil leaves | 3-4 sprigs |
| Italian olive oil | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 526.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 26.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 151.5 mg |
| Sodium | 374.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 10.6 g |
| Protein | 56.6 g |
Instructions
-
Season the Pork Chops
Start by sprinkling the pork chops generously with freshly ground black pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the meat and creates a nice layer of seasoning. -
Sauté the Chops
In a large skillet, heat the Italian olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and have developed a nice, crispy exterior. This process helps lock in the juices and flavor, ensuring tender meat after slow cooking. -
Add Tomatoes and Salt
After the chops have browned, pour in the two cans of plum tomatoes. You can use plain canned plum tomatoes or choose a can that includes a thicker puree for a more robust sauce. Add kosher salt to taste, stirring the tomatoes slightly to combine with the pork juices. This will create the base for your sauce. -
Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the sauce to start thickening. -
Reduce the Heat and Simmer
Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the pork chops simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. During this time, the pork will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will infuse into the meat. If you’ve chosen thicker cuts of pork, you may need to allow for additional cooking time to reach the perfect tenderness. -
Add Fresh Basil
About 5-7 minutes before removing the skillet from the heat, add fresh basil leaves to the sauce. The basil will infuse the dish with a fragrant, herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the richness of the tomatoes and pork. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork chops are tender and nearly falling apart, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chops with a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce and sauce over your favorite pasta. A side salad with fresh greens will complement this dish beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
Tips for Success
- Bone-In Chops: For the best flavor and tenderness, make sure to use bone-in pork chops. The bone adds richness to the sauce and ensures the meat stays moist as it cooks.
- Tomato Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use one can of plum tomatoes with puree and one can without. This will give you a thicker, more textured sauce that clings to the pork and pasta perfectly.
- Basil Timing: Adding basil at the end of cooking is crucial to maintaining its fresh, aromatic flavor. Don’t add it too early, or it may lose its vibrant taste.
This Lou’s Pork Chops Pizzaiola Style recipe is a great choice when you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, from a busy weeknight to a relaxed Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!
