Mediterranean Style Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples
Indulge in these Mediterranean Style Pork Chops, where tender, juicy pork meets the sweet tanginess of sautéed apples. Inspired by traditional Greek flavors, this dish perfectly balances savory and sweet, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. The pork chops are seared to golden perfection and then simmered with apple cider, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Topped with caramelized apple rings and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, don't miss out on sharing this delectable dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
6 (1 inch thick, rinsed and patted dry)
Butter
6 ounces (divided: 4 ounces for pork chops, 2 ounces for apples)
Apple Cider
3/4 cup (measured out)
Cooking Apples
2 (cored and sliced into 1/2-inch rings)
Ground Cinnamon
1 dash (for garnish)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Rinse the pork chops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2
Core the cooking apples and slice them into 1/2-inch rings.
3
Measure out the apple cider and set aside.
4
Preheat two frying pans over low heat, preparing for simultaneous cooking.
5
Increase the heat on one frying pan to medium-high, then add 4 ounces of butter. Let it melt until it turns pale brown and stops frothing.
6
Add the pork chops to the hot pan and brown them for about 2.5 minutes on each side, achieving a nice sear.
7
While the pork chops are browning, add the remaining 2 ounces of butter to the second frying pan and turn the heat to medium.
8
Once the butter is melted and begins to froth, add the apple rings to the pan. Sauté until golden brown, turning frequently with a spatula for even cooking.
9
Once the pork chops are nicely browned, carefully pour the apple cider into the pan with the pork. Reduce the heat to low.
10
If the apple rings cannot fit all at once in the second frying pan, cook them in batches, placing cooked rings on a plate until all are done.
11
Once the cider is added to the pork, place the golden apple rings on top of the chops. Cover and simmer together for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
12
Serve the pork chops and apples on a platter or individual plates, drizzled with the cider sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an aromatic touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Style Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples?
It is a savory-sweet dish where tender pork chops are seared and then simmered with apple cider and caramelized apple rings, inspired by traditional Greek flavors.
What cut of pork is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for six pork chops that are approximately 1 inch thick.
How should the pork chops be prepared before cooking?
Rinse the pork chops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe specifies two cooking apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch rings.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 6 ounces of butter is used: 4 ounces for the pork chops and 2 ounces for the apples.
What is the first step in cooking the pork?
Melt 4 ounces of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it turns pale brown and stops frothing.
How long should I sear the pork chops?
Brown the pork chops for about 2.5 minutes on each side until they reach golden perfection.
How are the apple rings cooked?
Sauté the apple rings in 2 ounces of butter over medium heat until they are golden brown, turning frequently.
Can I cook the apples in batches?
Yes, if the apple rings do not fit in the pan at once, cook them in batches and set the cooked rings aside on a plate.
When do I add the apple cider?
Once the pork chops are nicely browned, carefully pour 3/4 cup of apple cider into the pan with the pork.
Do I need to change the heat after adding the cider?
Yes, reduce the heat to low after pouring the apple cider into the pan.
How do I combine the pork and apples?
Place the golden-brown sautéed apple rings directly on top of the pork chops in the pan.
How long do the pork and apples simmer together?
Cover the pan and let them simmer together for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste, plus a dash of ground cinnamon for garnish.
Why is ground cinnamon used in this recipe?
Cinnamon is used as a garnish to provide an aromatic touch that complements the apples and pork.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve the pork chops and apples on a platter or individual plates, drizzled with the cider sauce from the pan.
Does this recipe require two frying pans?
Yes, the instructions suggest using two frying pans for simultaneous cooking of the pork and the apples.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It perfectly balances savory pork with the sweet tanginess of cider and caramelized apples.
What culinary tradition inspired this dish?
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean and traditional Greek flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: pork chops, butter, apple cider, cooking apples, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
While cider is specified for its depth of flavor, apple juice can be a substitute if cider is unavailable.
Is the pork rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention rinsing the pork chops under cold water.
What size should the apple slices be?
The apples should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings.
What heat setting is used to preheat the pans?
The pans should be preheated over low heat before increasing the temperature for cooking.
How do I know the pork is seared correctly?
The pork should have a golden-brown exterior after 2.5 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
What is the role of the cider sauce?
The cider sauce acts as a braising liquid that adds moisture and a sweet-tart glaze to the meat.
Should the pan be covered during the final stage?
Yes, covering the pan for the final 5 minutes of simmering is essential for melding the flavors.
Is this a good dish for comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized under comfort food due to its warm, hearty, and sweet-savory profile.
What is the total number of pork chops in this recipe?
The recipe is designed for 6 pork chops.