Description of this recipe This recipe combines the savory goodness of pork chops with the sweet and slightly tart flavors of apples, all complemented by creamy, garlicky smashed potatoes. It’s a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The dish is relatively simple to prepare, utilizing just one skillet for the pork chops and apple mixture, which minimizes cleanup. The smashed potatoes offer a rustic twist on traditional mashed potatoes, adding a delightful textural element to the plate.
Why you will love this recipe You’ll fall in love with this Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes recipe for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The pork chops are seasoned simply yet effectively, allowing their natural taste to shine. The sautéed apples and onions provide a sweet and savory contrast that elevates the pork. The garlic smashed potatoes are creamy, comforting, and add a rustic touch that makes this dish feel homemade and satisfying. Furthermore, the recipe is quick enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve to guests. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The aroma while cooking is divine, and the combination of tender pork, sweet apples, and creamy potatoes is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound small fingerling potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- Kosher salt
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (1/2-inch thick, about 5 oz each)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 Granny Smith apples, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic: Place the fingerling potatoes and garlic cloves in a medium saucepan. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Add a pinch of kosher salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
Step 2: Boil and Simmer: Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. This ensures they will mash easily later.
Step 3: Keep Warm: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm while you prepare the rest of the meal. This prevents them from cooling down too much before you are ready to mash them.
Step 4: Season the Pork Chops: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the pork chops. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to help them brown better. In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh sage, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet, allowing it to heat up until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the pork chops on both sides until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes total. This searing process helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the pork. Once seared, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 6: Sauté Onions and Apples: Wipe out the skillet with a clean paper towel to remove any browned bits or excess oil. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced red onion and diced Granny Smith apples to the skillet. Sauté them over medium-high heat until they are lightly browned and softened, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the sweetness of the apples and mellows the flavor of the onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Add Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into the skillet with the sautéed onions and apples. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step 8: Return Pork Chops to Skillet: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apple and onion mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Cook, turning the pork chops once halfway through, for 4–5 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures the pork is cooked safely and perfectly.
Step 9: Prepare Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic, reserving about 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Return the drained potatoes and garlic to the saucepan. Add the buttermilk to the pan. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
Step 10: Adjust Consistency: If the potatoes are too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Season the smashed potatoes to taste with additional salt and pepper.
Step 11: Serve: Serve the pork chops hot, with the apple-onion mixture spooned over the top. Place a generous serving of garlic smashed potatoes alongside the pork chops. Drizzle the pan juices from the skillet over the pork chops and potatoes for added flavor.
COOKING Rating: 4/5 (Easy to moderate)
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of green beans or asparagus. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the pork and potatoes. For a complete meal, serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to the correct internal temperature (145°F or 63°C) to prevent overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the pork chops; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in pork chops.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Feel free to add other herbs to the pork chop seasoning, such as thyme or rosemary.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on portion size) Protein: 35-45g Sodium: 400-600mg (depending on salt added)
Conclusion Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes is a delightful and satisfying meal that combines the savory flavors of pork with the sweetness of apples and the creamy comfort of garlic smashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. The balance of flavors and textures, along with the ease of preparation, makes this dish a winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this delicious and heartwarming meal!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe? A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can substitute them with other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Each apple will bring a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare certain components of this recipe in advance. The apple and onion mixture can be sautéed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The potatoes can also be boiled and mashed ahead of time, but they may need to be reheated with a little extra buttermilk or water to restore their creamy consistency. The pork chops are best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Q3: What can I do if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet? A: If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the pork chops and the apple-onion mixture without overcrowding.
Q4: How can I make this recipe healthier? A: To make this recipe healthier, you can use lean pork chops, reduce the amount of olive oil, and substitute the buttermilk with plain Greek yogurt for the smashed potatoes. Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables by adding more apples and onions or serving with a larger side of green vegetables.
Q5: Can I add any other ingredients to the apple-onion mixture? A: Certainly! You can add other ingredients to customize the apple-onion mixture to your liking. Some popular additions include dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to create your own unique version of this dish.
