Savor the Mediterranean: Spanish Pork Chops with Flavorful Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine with this delightful recipe for Spanish Pork Chops and Rice. Juicy pork chops, seasoned to perfection and paired with aromatic spices, are nestled atop a savory bed of rice cooked in rich chicken stock. Colorful vegetables and tangy olives add a delicious twist, making this dish a beautiful centerpiece for your dinner table. Serve it for family gatherings or impress guests with a taste of the Mediterranean that’s not only comforting but also appetizing and wholesome.
4
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
2 lbs (4 chops approximately 1-inch thick)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for browning)
Onions
2 (sliced)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (cut into chunks)
Tomato
1 (cut into wedges)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Rice
2/3 cup
Chicken Stock
1 1/3 cups
Pitted Black Olives
1/3 cup (sliced)
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and brown them on both sides for about 8 minutes, or until they're nicely seared. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and green pepper. Cover and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3
Next, add the tomato wedges, minced garlic, turmeric, black pepper, paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional minute to release the aromas.
4
Stir in the rice, ensuring it's well-coated with the mixture, then pour in the chicken stock. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5
Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Cover again and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pork is cooked through.
6
Before serving, sprinkle the dish with sliced black olives and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and garnish.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
20g
Carbs
35g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Spanish Pork Chops with Flavorful Rice, a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
How many servings does this pork chop recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 35g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 11g of fat.
How much pork is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of pork chops, which should be about 4 chops that are 1-inch thick.
How long should I sear the pork chops?
The pork chops should be browned for approximately 8 minutes on medium-high heat until they are nicely seared.
What vegetables are cooked with the rice?
The recipe includes 2 sliced onions, 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks, and 1 tomato cut into wedges.
What spices provide the Mediterranean flavor profile?
The dish is seasoned with turmeric, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and minced garlic.
How much rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of rice.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked in 1 1/3 cups of chicken stock.
How long does the final simmer take?
After returning the pork to the skillet, the dish should simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The dish is garnished with 1/3 cup of sliced black olives and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Do I need to cover the skillet during cooking?
Yes, the skillet should be covered while softening vegetables, during the initial rice simmer, and during the final 20-minute cooking phase.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is categorized as a one-pot meal as it is prepared entirely in a large skillet.
What type of oil is best for browning the meat?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 2 minced cloves of garlic.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There is 1.25g of fiber per serving.
Can this dish be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a beautiful centerpiece suitable for family gatherings or impressing guests.
How much turmeric is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
What is the amount of paprika required?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
What is the specific preparation for the onions?
The 2 onions should be sliced before being added to the skillet.
When should I add the black olives?
The sliced black olives should be sprinkled over the dish just before serving.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, salt is added to taste during the spice-mixing step.
What temperature should the pork reach?
The instructions state to cook until the pork is cooked through and the rice is tender, typically about 20 minutes on low heat.
How should the green bell pepper be cut?
The green bell pepper should be cut into chunks.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the amount of ground cumin needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Does the rice need to be pre-cooked?
No, the dry rice is stirred into the skillet and cooked along with the chicken stock and other ingredients.
Should I keep the juices from the browned pork chops?
Yes, any accumulated juices should be returned to the skillet with the pork chops for maximum flavor.
How long do the vegetables cook initially?
The onions and green peppers are covered and cooked for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
The description defines it as an appetizing and wholesome Mediterranean dish.