Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
As the leaves start to turn and those crisp autumn breezes fill the air, there’s something magical about cooking with seasonal ingredients. One dish that perfectly captures this spirit is apple pork. It pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or creamy mashed potatoes, turning a simple dinner into an experience to savor.
Recently, my family gathered around the table, ready to dive into the warm flavors of my apple pork dish, filled with the cozy scents of rosemary and thyme.
Apple pork is all about that beautiful balance between savory and sweet. The pork chops are seared to perfection, then bathed in a blend of tart apples and fragrant herbs. This dish is so satisfying and easier to prepare than you might think! If you're looking for something that brings comfort and hearty flavors together, you're in for a treat.
Classic Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
The apple pork recipe features succulent pork chops cooked alongside sweet slices of apples and slightly caramelized onions, all infused with aromatic herbs. It’s a fusion of flavors that creates a delightful contrast. You get the rich, juicy taste of the pork with the subtle sweetness from the apples, making every bite a memory.
Let’s gather our ingredients for this dish. Here’s what you’ll need for our delicious apple pork:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3-4 oz bone-in pork chops, or whatever fits comfortably in your skillet
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard
- 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (I recommend Gala or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 Tbsp maple syrup for a touch of extra sweetness
- Optional: 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Ingredients From : thechunkychef.com
Now that we have everything ready, let's dive into making this apple pork. The steps are straightforward, and once you get started, it all comes together in a delightful dance of flavors.
Start by seasoning both sides of your pork chops with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This builds flavor right from the beginning. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the pork chops in the pan, ensuring there’s at least an inch of space between each chop to allow for proper browning. For about 3-5 minutes, sear the chops until they're beautifully golden on one side.
With a pair of tongs, gently flip the pork chops to the other side. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until they are almost cooked through. Remember, they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later, so don’t worry if they aren’t completely done. Once seared, transfer the chops to a plate and allow them to rest while you work on the wonderful sauce.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken stock and Dijon mustard until well blended. Set this mixture aside as it plays a crucial role in developing our sauce.
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced apples and onions, stirring occasionally. Sauté this mixture for about 4 minutes until the apples start to soften and gain a bit of color. Season the mix with kosher salt, black pepper, fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, then stir everything together to let the herbs infuse their flavors into the apples and onions.
Now, it’s time to bring in our prepared chicken stock mixture. Pour it into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty brown bits off the bottom of the skillet. Those bits carry tremendous flavor!
Nestle the seared pork chops back into the pan, resting them gently amongst the apples. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pork is fully cooked and the liquid has reduced by half. You’ll know it's ready when the pork is tender, and the sauce is thickened and bubbling away delightfully.
- Choose your apples wisely: Opt for sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance with the pork.
- Adjust seasoning as needed: Always taste your dish as you cook to ensure the flavors are to your liking.
- Let the pork rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture.
- Add a pop of color: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula towards the end for a bit of freshness and color.
- Experiment with nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans boosts both flavor and texture.
If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store the apple pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, or pop it in the microwave until heated through.
- Serve over rice or couscous: The sauce is delicious when soaked into grains.
- Pair with sautéed green beans: The crunch of green beans complements the soft textures beautifully.
- Add a side salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing can brighten up the meal.
- Top with feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a salty pop.
- Serve with crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover juices on your plate.
- Pork tenderloin: This is a leaner cut that can also be used instead of pork chops.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy chicken thighs can make a great alternative and pair well with the apples.
- Apple cider: Replace chicken stock with apple cider for an extra apple flavor.
- Fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities.
- Maple syrup: Use honey as an alternative for sweetness in the sauce.
Cooking this apple pork recipe has transformed our dinner table from routine to something truly special. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So next time you're in the mood for a comforting meal, this recipe will surely hit the spot! Grab your apron, fire up that skillet, and let the flavors dance. Enjoy!
Apple pork is all about that beautiful balance between savory and sweet. The pork chops are seared to perfection, then bathed in a blend of tart apples and fragrant herbs. This dish is so satisfying and easier to prepare than you might think! If you're looking for something that brings comfort and hearty flavors together, you're in for a treat.
Servings 2
- Choose your apples wisely: Opt for sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance with the pork.
- Adjust seasoning as needed: Always taste your dish as you cook to ensure the flavors are to your liking.
- Let the pork rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture.
- Add a pop of color: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula towards the end for a bit of freshness and color.- Experiment with nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans boosts both flavor and texture
I’m Crystal Ivers, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Family Meal. Living in Chicago with my family, I’m passionate about helping busy families create simple, nutritious, and delicious meals. Through my blog, I share easy-to-make recipes and practical tips to make family mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.