Savory Baked Pork Chops with Root Vegetables and Pears
Enjoy a delightful one-pan meal featuring succulent pork chops paired with a warm medley of sweet pears and hearty root vegetables. In this recipe, parsnips, potatoes, and aromatic fresh thyme take center stage, creating a flavor profile that balances savory and sweet. The addition of garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant essence, while the brine method used for the pork chops ensures that they emerge tender and juicy from the oven. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
parsnips
2 (medium, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (or substitute with turnips or carrots))
potatoes
2 (large, scrubbed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 (cup)
fresh thyme
1/4 (cup, divided)
garlic cloves
10 (whole)
salt
1 (teaspoon, divided)
black pepper
1 (teaspoon, divided)
butter
2 (tablespoons, softened)
paprika
1/2 (teaspoon)
pork chops
4 (center cut, 1/2 inch thick)
pears
2 (firm, halved and seed center removed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2
Prepare the root vegetables by washing, peeling, and slicing parsnips (or carrots) into 1-inch thick pieces. If using turnips, cut them in half and slice them into 1/2-inch thick wedges. Scrub the potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced vegetables with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, half (2 tablespoons) of the fresh thyme, whole garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until the vegetables are well coated.
4
Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer in a large baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until they begin to soften.
5
While the vegetables are roasting, in a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of thyme, softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create a flavorful rub for the pork chops.
6
After the initial roasting time, remove the baking dish from the oven. Rub the prepared seasoning mixture generously on both sides of the pork chops.
7
Halve the pears, removing the core, and nestle them among the vegetables in the baking dish. Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the vegetables and pears.
8
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (an internal temperature of 145 degrees F) and the vegetables are tender and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used is 4 center cut pork chops, each 1/2 inch thick.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Which root vegetables are recommended for this dish?
The recipe uses 2 medium parsnips and 2 large potatoes.
Can I substitute the parsnips with another vegetable?
Yes, parsnips can be substituted with turnips or carrots.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be scrubbed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
What type of pears are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 firm pears that have been halved with the seed centers removed.
How many garlic cloves are included in the dish?
There are 10 whole garlic cloves used in this recipe.
What fresh herb is used for seasoning?
Fresh thyme is the primary herb, with 1/4 cup divided for use in the vegetables and the pork rub.
How long do the vegetables roast before the meat is added?
The vegetables roast initially for 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the total baking time after adding the pork chops?
The dish bakes for an additional 30 minutes after the pork chops and pears are added.
What internal temperature should the pork chops reach?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
What ingredients make up the pork chop seasoning rub?
The rub is made from fresh thyme, softened butter, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 22.5g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil is used for the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the potatoes should be scrubbed and sliced without peeling.
How thick should the parsnips be sliced?
Parsnips should be sliced into 1-inch thick pieces.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this is described as a delightful one-pan meal.
Are the garlic cloves minced or kept whole?
The garlic cloves are used whole in this recipe.
What spice is included in the pork seasoning rub?
The rub includes 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
When are the pears added to the baking dish?
Pears are added after the initial roasting period, nestled among the vegetables.
Can carrots be used instead of parsnips?
Yes, carrots are a suggested substitute for parsnips.
Why should firm pears be used?
Firm pears are used to ensure they hold their shape and don't become too mushy during baking.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
How is the flavor profile described?
The dish is described as balancing savory and sweet flavors with aromatic herbs.
What are the primary tags for this dish?
Primary tags include pork, baked, root vegetables, pears, and one-pan meal.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as comfort food.