Savory Autumn Pork Chops with Roasted Apples and Acorn Squash
This heartwarming dish combines the rich flavors of boneless pork chops with the sweetness of roasted apples and the earthy notes of acorn squash. Inspired by the nurturing spirit of a dear friend during my first pregnancy, this simple yet satisfying recipe has become a staple for cozy fall and winter nights. Ideal for batch cooking, this dish can be prepared in advance and frozen, making weeknight dinners a breeze. For a healthier twist, consider substituting the pork with skinless turkey thighs for a leaner option without compromising on flavor. Serve it alongside fluffy brown rice to soak up the delicious juices and create a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Chops
4-6 (thick)
Cooking Apples
1 lb (halved, cored and cut into quarters (half green, half red))
Acorn Squash
1 lb (seeded and cut into 8 wedges)
Apple Juice
1/4 cup (none)
Maple Syrup
4 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Brown Rice
as needed (cooked, to serve)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, place the boneless pork chops on one side of the pan.
3
On the other side, arrange the apple quarters and acorn squash wedges for even cooking.
4
In a small bowl, mix together the apple juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined.
5
Pour the mixture over the pork chops, apples, and squash, ensuring everything is well coated.
6
If you wish to freeze the meal, separate the meat, vegetables, and sauce in airtight containers. Thaw when ready to bake, then proceed with the following steps.
7
Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moistness during cooking.
8
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
9
Remove the foil and baste the pork chops, apples, and squash with the pan juices to enhance their flavor.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the tops to caramelize slightly.
11
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
12
Serve hot alongside freshly cooked brown rice for a fulfilling meal.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
21g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Savory Autumn Pork Chops recipe?
The main ingredients include boneless pork chops, cooking apples, acorn squash, apple juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the pork chops bake in total?
The dish should bake for 1 hour covered and an additional 15 minutes uncovered, for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Can I freeze this meal for later use?
Yes, you can separate the meat, vegetables, and sauce into airtight containers and freeze them. Thaw before baking.
What is a healthy substitute for the pork chops?
For a leaner option, you can substitute the pork with skinless turkey thighs.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 13 x 9-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be halved, cored, and cut into quarters. Using a mix of half green and half red apples is suggested.
What type of squash is used in this dish?
This recipe uses acorn squash, which should be seeded and cut into 8 wedges.
What should I serve with Savory Autumn Pork Chops?
It is best served alongside freshly cooked brown rice to soak up the juices.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 19g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 8g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 21g of carbohydrates per serving.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The seasoning mixture consists of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with apple juice and maple syrup.
Why should I cover the pan with aluminum foil?
Covering the pan tightly with foil helps retain moistness during the first hour of cooking.
When do I add the sauce mixture?
The sauce mixture should be poured over the pork, apples, and squash before placing the pan in the oven.
How many pork chops does this recipe typically use?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 thick boneless pork chops.
Is this recipe suitable for batch cooking?
Yes, it is ideal for batch cooking as it can be prepared in advance and frozen.
What is the purpose of basting the pork chops?
Basting with pan juices after removing the foil enhances the flavor of the meat and vegetables.
Should I let the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, you should let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How much maple syrup is required?
The recipe requires 4 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
How much apple juice is used in the sauce?
You will need 1/4 cup of apple juice.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much nutmeg is added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Does the recipe specify the weight of the squash?
Yes, you need approximately 1 lb of acorn squash.
Does the recipe specify the weight of the apples?
Yes, you need approximately 1 lb of cooking apples.
Is this a good meal for winter?
Yes, it is described as a staple for cozy fall and winter nights.
How do I arrange the items in the pan?
Place pork chops on one side and arrange apple quarters and squash wedges on the other side for even cooking.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
The recipe specifically calls for boneless pork chops, which may cook differently than bone-in varieties.
What is the final cooking step to achieve caramelization?
Baking uncovered for the final 15 minutes allows the tops of the ingredients to caramelize slightly.