Pork Chops Smothered with Fennel and Garlic
Recipe Overview:
Savor the delectable flavors of tender pork chops bathed in a savory fennel and garlic sauce with this delightful recipe. Perfect for a springtime feast or any occasion when you crave a comforting yet elegant meal. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a testament to the magic that can happen in the kitchen with a few simple ingredients and a dash of culinary creativity.
Ingredients:
- 2 pork chops
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 green onion
- 8 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/4 cups fennel bulbs
- 2/3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 397.4
- Fat Content: 25.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 76.4mg
- Sodium Content: 379.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.3g
- Fiber Content: 3.9g
- Sugar Content: 0.7g
- Protein Content: 21.4g
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when needed. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Searing the Pork Chops: Pat dry the pork chops with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a beautiful sear. Add them to the skillet and allow them to braise for 3 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely, deep golden brown color, infusing them with rich flavor.
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Creating the Flavorful Sauce: Once the pork chops are seared to perfection, remove any excess fat from the skillet. Then, keeping the pork chops in the skillet, remove it from the heat and add butter, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Saute this aromatic mixture for about a minute until fragrant, infusing the oil with their savory essence.
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Simmering with Fennel and Wine: Return the skillet to heat and pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine, along with the sliced fennel bulbs, which add a subtle yet distinctive flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
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Finishing in the Oven: Transfer the seared pork chops to an ovenproof casserole dish and cover it with foil to lock in moisture and flavor. Place it in the preheated oven and let the pork chops continue cooking for 20 minutes, ensuring they reach the perfect level of tenderness and juiciness.
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Reducing and Thickening the Sauce: While the pork chops bake to perfection, return your attention to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors. In a small bowl, combine the remaining room-temperature chicken broth with cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly, and simmer for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
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Seasoning and Serving: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your preference. Once the pork chops are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve them with the luscious sauce spooned generously over each portion. This dish pairs beautifully with rice pilaf, which absorbs the flavorful sauce and complements the succulent pork chops perfectly.
Additional Tips:
- To enhance the presentation of this dish, garnish it with fresh fennel fronds or a sprinkle of chopped green onions before serving.
- For a burst of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the pork chops just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Conclusion:
Indulge your senses with the tantalizing aroma and irresistible flavors of these Pork Chops Smothered with Fennel and Garlic. With its simple yet sophisticated preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, delighting family and friends alike with every savory bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish promises to elevate any dining experience to new heights of culinary excellence.
