Savory Creole Pork Chops with Cornbread Topper
This delightful dish blends the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans with hearty southern comfort food. Savory pork chops are enveloped in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, spices, and a medley of vegetables, topped with a golden cornbread layer that adds a delightful crunch. Created by the renowned Leah Chase, this recipe from The Black Family Reunion cookbook is perfect for family gatherings and celebrations, encapsulating the spirit of Creole cooking and the warmth of shared meals.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter Flavor Crisco
4 tablespoons (divided)
pork chops
8 (1/2 inch thick)
onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
celery
1/3 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
cornbread
2 cups (crumbled)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
canned whole tomatoes
14.5 ounces (drained and cut up)
tomato sauce
8 ounces
brown sugar
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of Butter Flavor Crisco over medium heat. Season the first batch of 4 pork chops with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chops and set aside. Repeat this step with the remaining 4 chops.
2
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of Butter Flavor Crisco, followed by the chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside half of the vegetable mixture.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, lightly beaten egg, and the reserved half of the sautéed vegetables. Mix well and set aside.
4
To the remaining vegetable mixture in the skillet, add the drained, cut-up tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat, and make sure to take out the bay leaf before proceeding.
5
In a 3-quart casserole dish, layer 4 of the seared pork chops at the bottom. Spread the cornbread mixture evenly over the chops. Arrange the remaining four pork chops on top, and pour the tomato sauce over everything, ensuring a lovely coating. Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creole Pork Chops with Cornbread Topper?
It is a hearty Southern comfort dish featuring pork chops in a flavorful tomato and vegetable sauce, finished with a golden cornbread topping.
Who created this specific recipe?
This recipe was created by the renowned chef Leah Chase.
In which cookbook can this recipe be found?
It is featured in The Black Family Reunion cookbook.
How many pork chops are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 pork chops.
What is the ideal thickness for the pork chops?
The pork chops should be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What fat is used for searing the meat?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of Butter Flavor Crisco, divided.
What vegetables are included in the Creole sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do you sear the pork chops?
Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
How much cornbread is required for the topper?
You will need 2 cups of crumbled cornbread.
What binds the cornbread topper together?
One lightly beaten egg is mixed with the cornbread and sautéed vegetables.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 14.5 ounces of canned whole tomatoes, drained and cut up.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
The seasoning includes chili powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and a bay leaf.
Is there any sweetener in the sauce?
Yes, one teaspoon of brown sugar is added to the tomato mixture.
Should the bay leaf remain in the dish while baking?
No, the instructions state to remove the bay leaf before assembling the casserole.
What is the first step of the assembly?
Layer 4 of the seared pork chops at the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish.
How is the cornbread mixture applied?
The cornbread mixture is spread evenly over the first layer of pork chops.
What goes on top of the cornbread layer?
The remaining four pork chops are arranged on top, followed by the tomato sauce.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil during the baking process.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
The dish contains 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 32.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 3-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What makes this dish specifically 'Creole'?
Its use of the 'holy trinity' (onion, celery, bell pepper) and tomato-based sauce reflects New Orleans Creole culinary traditions.
Can this be served at large gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe requires 16 different ingredients.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of minced garlic.
What is the texture of the cornbread topper?
The cornbread topper adds a delightful crunch and texture to the savory pork chops.