The Baked Pork Chops & Macaroni Creole recipe combines tender pork chops with a flavorful Creole-inspired tomato and macaroni base, creating a hearty dish perfect for a satisfying meal. Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe:
Recipe Overview:
Name: Baked Pork Chops & Macaroni Creole
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Description: A delicious combination of pork chops and macaroni in a Creole-style tomato sauce, baked to perfection.
Recipe Category: Pork
Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, Creole, < 60 Mins, Oven, Stove Top
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops, trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup macaroni, cooked
- 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 486.5
- Total Fat: 18.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 216.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48.1g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 5.6g
- Protein: 30.7g
Instructions:
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Preparation of Pork Chops:
- Start by wiping the pork chops with a damp paper towel to remove any excess moisture and trim off any visible fat.
- Place the pork chops on a rack in a broiler pan and broil them on both sides until they are nicely browned. This step helps to seal in the juices and add a delicious caramelized flavor to the chops.
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Preparing the Creole Tomato Sauce:
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing them until they become tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, bay leaf, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add the optional hot pepper sauce at this stage for an extra kick of flavor.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Incorporating the Macaroni:
- Once the tomato mixture is well combined and flavorful, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure that the macaroni is coated evenly with the Creole tomato sauce.
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Baking the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the tomato-macaroni mixture in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake the dish for about 40 minutes or until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked through. Baking the dish covered helps to keep the pork chops moist and allows the flavors to meld together.
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Serving:
- Once the pork chops are done, remove the skillet from the oven.
- Serve the Baked Pork Chops & Macaroni Creole hot, directly from the skillet. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant finish.
Tips:
- Choosing Pork Chops: Opt for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick for best results in this recipe. This thickness ensures that the chops remain juicy and tender after baking.
- Adding Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the tomato-macaroni mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply brown the pork chops, assemble the dish, and bake as directed.
Conclusion:
The Baked Pork Chops & Macaroni Creole recipe from Love with Recipes combines classic ingredients with a Creole twist, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. With tender pork chops and a savory tomato-macaroni base, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
