Maquechoux (Cajun Pork Chops)
๐ Cook Time: 1 hour
๐ Prep Time: 15 minutes
๐ Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description: Maquechoux, a term derived from Cajun dialect meaning “smothered with corn,” epitomizes the hearty essence of Cajun cuisine. This dish is a delightful fusion of succulent pork chops and sweet corn, infused with a medley of aromatic vegetables and Cajun spices. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, prepared entirely on the stove top in less than four hours, promising a comforting culinary experience reminiscent of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Pork, Vegetable, Meat, Cajun, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Celery ribs |
| 1 | Bell pepper |
| 1 | Tomato |
| 1/2 | tsp Ground black pepper |
| 1/2 | tsp Dried basil |
| 1/2 | tsp Dried thyme |
| 1/2 | tsp Dried tarragon |
| 1/8 | tsp Cayenne pepper |
| 4 | Pork chops |
| 1/4 | cup Dry white wine |
| 1 | can Creamed corn |
| 1 | cup Corn kernels |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetable Base:
- Combine finely diced onion, celery ribs, bell pepper, and tomato in a large saucepan.
- Season with ground black pepper, dried basil, dried thyme, dried tarragon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cook the mixture over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
-
Brown the Pork Chops:
- While the vegetable mixture is cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the pork chops on both sides until they develop a golden crust, ensuring they are cooked through but still tender.
-
Simmer with Wine:
- Pour dry white wine over the browned pork chops in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and allow the pork chops to simmer in the wine-infused steam for about 10 minutes, enhancing their flavor and tenderness.
-
Incorporate Corn and Vegetable Mixture:
- Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to high.
- Let most of the wine reduce until absorbed, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the creamed corn and corn kernels to the cooked vegetable mixture in the saucepan, stirring until well combined.
-
Combine Pork and Vegetable Mixtures:
- Nestle the browned pork chops into the vegetable-corn mixture in the saucepan, ensuring they are fully immersed.
- Pour any remaining liquids from the skillet over the pork chops and vegetables, maximizing flavor infusion.
-
Simmer to Perfection:
- Cover the saucepan and allow the Maquechoux to simmer over low heat for an additional 15 minutes.
- This gentle simmering allows the flavors to meld harmoniously, resulting in a truly satisfying dish that captures the essence of Cajun cuisine.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- To serve, place a tender pork chop in a shallow bowl.
- Ladle approximately 1 cup of the flavorful corn mixture over the top, ensuring each serving is generously coated with the savory goodness of Maquechoux.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Maquechoux, where tender pork chops meet the sweet embrace of corn and aromatic Cajun spices. This delectable one-dish meal is a testament to the culinary prowess of Cajun cuisine, offering a taste of Louisiana’s vibrant gastronomic heritage in every comforting bite. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or served as a centerpiece for gatherings with loved ones, Maquechoux promises to delight palates and evoke a sense of culinary adventure with each mouthwatering spoonful.
