Pork Chops with Curried Caramelized Onions and Apples ๐
Overview:
Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors with this delightful recipe for Pork Chops with Curried Caramelized Onions and Apples! ๐ถ This dish combines succulent center-cut pork chops with the sweet and savory goodness of caramelized onions and apples, all elevated with a hint of aromatic curry powder and garlic. It’s a cozy, comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out, perfect for chilly winter evenings. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen pantry!
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 center-cut pork chops
- Olive oil
- Butter
- 1 large onion
- 1 apple (use a variety like Granny Smith for a tart contrast)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
- Start by seasoning the pork chops with a generous pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This step ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
2. Brown the Pork Chops:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Sear each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the pork chops to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Caramelize the Onions and Apples:
- In the same skillet, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and apples to the skillet, stirring occasionally until they become beautifully caramelized and golden brown. This process may take around 15-20 minutes, but the sweet aroma will be worth the wait!
4. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
- Once the onions and apples are caramelized, stir in the unsweetened applesauce, beef broth, minced garlic, and curry powder. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Bake:
- Pour the luscious apple-onion mixture over the browned pork chops in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the dish with foil to lock in all the delicious flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC), then bake the pork chops for 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pork chops to become tender and juicy.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once cooked, remove the foil from the baking dish and serve the Pork Chops with Curried Caramelized Onions and Apples hot, alongside your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments, soaking up all that flavorful sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 676.9
- Total Fat: 37.6g
- Saturated Fat: 16.7g
- Cholesterol: 182mg
- Sodium: 468.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 21.6g
- Protein: 54.7g
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices or herbs to the curry powder mixture. Cumin, coriander, or paprika would all complement the flavors beautifully.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce during the simmering stage.
- Don’t have beef broth on hand? You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for equally delicious results.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
With its tender pork chops, sweet caramelized onions and apples, and flavorful curry-infused sauce, this Pork Chops with Curried Caramelized Onions and Apples recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its comforting flavors and aromatic appeal. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in a taste sensation that will leave you craving more! ๐ฝ๏ธ