Italian Pork Chops, a savory delight straight from the heart of Italian cuisine, is a recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich flavors and hearty textures. Perfect for any night of the week, this oven-baked marvel requires just a little over an hour of your time, with a mere 15 minutes dedicated to prep work, resulting in a total cooking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together and uncover the secrets to crafting this delectable dish!
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this culinary adventure:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork chops | 4 |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh mushrooms | 1/2 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Green pepper | 1 |
| Canned tomato sauce | 16 oz |
| Cooking sherry | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1/4 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your masterpiece is prepared to bake.
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Sprinkle each pork chop generously with pepper on both sides, ensuring they are well-seasoned.
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Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
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Add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet, allowing them to brown on both sides. This process should take approximately 3-4 minutes per side, creating a beautifully golden exterior while sealing in those succulent juices.
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Transfer the browned pork chops to a 2-quart baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
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Cover the pork chops with sliced fresh mushrooms, distributing them evenly over the chops, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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In the same skillet used for browning the chops, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced green pepper, sautéing them over medium heat until they become tender and fragrant, imbuing your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
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Stir in the canned tomato sauce, cooking sherry, lemon juice, dried oregano, and dried basil, allowing the flavors to meld together into a symphony of taste.
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Let the tomato mixture simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
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Pour the fragrant tomato mixture over the pork chops and mushrooms in the baking dish, ensuring each chop is generously coated with this savory sauce, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid, sealing in the flavors and moisture, and place it in the preheated oven.
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Bake the Italian Pork Chops at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pork to cook through, resulting in tender, succulent chops infused with the rich essence of the Mediterranean.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to further develop and meld together, creating a harmonious symphony of taste that will captivate your palate with each mouthful.
Serving Suggestions:
Italian Pork Chops pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or a vibrant green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a touch of brightness and visual appeal. Serve alongside a glass of your favorite Italian wine to elevate the dining experience to new heights of culinary delight.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 121.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.5 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 0 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 603.1 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 14.7 grams
- Fiber Content: 3.3 grams
- Sugar Content: 8.5 grams
- Protein Content: 4 grams
Final Thoughts:
Italian Pork Chops, with their tantalizing blend of savory flavors and succulent textures, are sure to become a family favorite and a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight dinner or served as the centerpiece of a celebratory feast, this dish embodies the essence of Italian comfort food at its finest. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will delight your senses and leave you craving for more. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍽️
