Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Pumpkin and Potatoes
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
This delightful, rustic dish pairs tender pork chops with a medley of sweet pumpkin and hearty potatoes, all seasoned with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Pumpkin and Potatoes is easy to prepare, yet brimming with comforting flavors that will impress any guest.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork Chops (preferably bone-in) | 600g |
| Pumpkin | 300g |
| Potatoes | 300g |
| Bay Leaves | 5g |
| Fresh Rosemary | 5g |
| Fresh Marjoram | 5g |
| Dried Oregano | 5g |
| Fresh Sage | 5g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Herb Mixture:
Begin by finely chopping the fresh herbs—rosemary, marjoram, sage, and bay leaves—using your fingers or a sharp knife. This will create a fragrant herb blend that will infuse your pork chops with rich flavors. Add the dried oregano to the mix. -
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Peel the pumpkin and potatoes. Cut the pumpkin into small cubes and the potatoes into evenly-sized dice to ensure they cook evenly. -
Layer the Ingredients:
In a baking dish, start by layering the diced potatoes and pumpkin at the bottom. These will serve as a soft, flavorful bed for the pork chops. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. -
Season the Pork Chops:
Rub the pork chops with a drizzle of olive oil and generously coat them with the chopped herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The herbs will stick to the meat, creating a beautiful crust as it cooks. -
Assemble and Bake:
Place the seasoned pork chops directly on top of the pumpkin and potato mixture. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the entire dish to help everything cook evenly and remain moist. -
Cooking:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F). Cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender, and the vegetables are perfectly roasted. -
Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices from the pork to settle, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. -
Serve:
Serve the herb-crusted pork chops alongside the roasted pumpkin and potatoes, making sure to spoon some of the delicious pan juices over the top. This dish is perfect on its own or served with a crisp green salad.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs, such as thyme or tarragon, to give the dish a unique twist.
- Vegetable Variations: If you prefer a different vegetable, carrots, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes would work wonderfully in place of the pumpkin.
- Cooking Method: For a crispier crust, you can sear the pork chops in a hot pan for a few minutes before placing them in the oven. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Enjoy this comforting, herb-infused dish that brings together the warmth of autumn vegetables with perfectly roasted, flavorful pork chops!
