Baked Pork Chops With Roasted Potatoes, Parsnips, and Carrots
Overview
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: One Dish Meal
Description: This Baked Pork Chops With Roasted Potatoes, Parsnips, and Carrots is a wonderfully easy one-pan meal that brings together the delightful flavors of savory meat and hearty vegetables in a minimal time. In just a few minutes of preparation, you’ll have a beautiful dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a pleasing presentation, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Keywords
Pork, Potato, Vegetable, Meat, Savory, Easy, One Dish Meal
Ingredients
The following table outlines the necessary ingredients along with their respective quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Parsnips | 4 |
| Carrots | 6 |
| Baby red potatoes | 15-20 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Apple | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/3 – 1/2 cup |
| Fresh thyme | 5-6 sprigs |
| Garlic | 8 cloves |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving, which includes a balance of macronutrients and important dietary information:
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1073.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 36.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 137.3 mg |
| Sodium | 214.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 132.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g |
| Sugars | 15.6 g |
| Protein | 55.9 g |
Instructions
The preparation and cooking steps are straightforward, making this dish a great choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. Follow the detailed instructions below to achieve a delicious result:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This initial step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish on both the pork chops and vegetables.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the oven is heating, prepare your vegetables. Cut the baby red potatoes in half, leaving the peel on for added texture and nutrients. For the parsnips and carrots, peel them and slice them lengthwise to create uniform pieces, allowing for even cooking.
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Combine Vegetables in a Tray: In a large baking tray (a lasagna pan works wonderfully), combine the prepared parsnips, carrots, onion (sliced), and halved potatoes. Add all the garlic cloves, as they will roast beautifully alongside the other ingredients. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and toss everything together to ensure even coating.
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Season and Toss: Take a handful of fresh thyme sprigs and add them to the vegetable mix, along with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything again, ensuring all the vegetables are well-seasoned and coated.
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Initial Roasting: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 15 minutes. This step allows them to begin softening and developing flavor before adding the pork chops.
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Prepare the Pork Chops: While the vegetables are roasting, season your pork chops with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the meat’s flavor, complementing the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
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Add Pork and Apples: After 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and carefully place the seasoned pork chops on top of the roasted vegetables. Quarter the apple and scatter the pieces around the tray. The apple will caramelize, adding a delightful sweetness to the dish.
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Finish with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pork chops, followed by the juice of half a lemon. This adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the meal.
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Return to the Oven: Put the tray back into the oven and continue cooking for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The vegetables should be golden and beautifully caramelized.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. To serve, plate each chop with a generous helping of roasted vegetables and a piece of quartered apple for a delightful touch. For an extra treat, peel the roasted garlic cloves and serve a couple on each plate, adding a creamy texture that complements the pork beautifully.
This Baked Pork Chops With Roasted Potatoes, Parsnips, and Carrots not only serves as a satisfying meal but also provides a colorful and inviting presentation. Enjoy your culinary creation and the compliments that are sure to follow!
