Savory Pork Chops in Rich Tomato Sage Sauce
This delectable recipe for Savory Pork Chops in Rich Tomato Sage Sauce is a cherished family favorite, originating from a classic Cooking Light recipe dating back to 1991. Over the past 15 years, I've perfected this dish, creating a beautifully balanced, robust sauce that beautifully complements the tender pork chops. The combination of fresh and dried sage infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor, while the tomatoes and white wine create a rich, tangy sauce that's perfect for soaking into your favorite sides. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, bringing comfort and satisfaction to every bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole tomatoes
56 ounces (canned, drained and reserved juice)
olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided)
butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
fresh sage leaves
8 leaves (whole)
dried sage
1 teaspoon ( )
pork chops
2 pounds (bone-in or boneless, 1-inch thick)
dry white wine
1/2 cup ( )
Instructions
1
In a heavy medium skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until bubbling.
2
Add the drained whole tomatoes and dried sage to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a saucelike consistency, about 15 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
3
In two large heavy skillets, divide the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of butter, and the fresh sage leaves. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
4
In each skillet, add 2 pork chops at a time, making sure not to overcrowd. Cover and cook until the chops are browned on both sides, turning frequently, approximately 10 minutes.
5
Pour 1/4 cup of dry white wine into each skillet and bring to a boil. Allow it to reduce uncovered to a glaze, approximately 5 minutes.
6
Evenly distribute the prepared tomato sauce between the skillets, spreading it gently over the pork chops.
7
Reduce the heat, cover the skillets, and allow the pork chops to simmer until tender, roughly 30 minutes.
8
Once cooked, degrease the sauce to taste, adding back a bit of reserved tomato juice if you prefer a thinner sauce.
9
Season the dish with salt and pepper to your preference.
10
Carefully transfer the pork chops to a serving platter, spooning the rich tomato sage sauce generously over the top.
11
For an aromatic finish, sprinkle with minced fresh sage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork Chops in Rich Tomato Sage Sauce?
It is a robust and aromatic dish featuring tender pork chops simmered in a tangy tomato sauce infused with both fresh and dried sage.
What kind of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of pork chops, which can be either bone-in or boneless, and should be approximately 1-inch thick.
How long does it take to prepare the tomato sauce base?
The drained whole tomatoes and dried sage take about 15 minutes of cooking to reach a thick, saucelike consistency.
Can I use boneless pork chops for this dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops depending on your preference.
What is the ideal thickness for the pork chops?
For best results and even cooking, the pork chops should be about 1-inch thick.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 56 ounces of canned whole tomatoes that have been drained, with the juice reserved.
Should I discard the liquid from the canned tomatoes?
No, you should reserve the tomato juice and add it back to the sauce later if you prefer a thinner consistency.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of olive oil is used throughout the recipe, divided between the sauce preparation and searing the chops.
What type of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry white wine to create a rich glaze for the pork chops.
Can I substitute the fresh sage?
While dried sage is used in the sauce, fresh sage leaves are essential for searing with the meat and as an aromatic garnish.
Why does the recipe use both fresh and dried sage?
Dried sage provides a deep, concentrated flavor to the tomato sauce, while fresh sage adds a bright, aromatic quality to the meat and garnish.
How much butter is required for the dish?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter in total, divided during the sauce and searing stages.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family favorite that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
What is the history of this recipe?
It originated from a 1991 Cooking Light recipe and has been refined over 15 years to achieve its current balanced flavor.
How long should the pork chops simmer?
Once the sauce is added, the pork chops should simmer in the covered skillets for approximately 30 minutes until tender.
Why are two skillets recommended?
Two large heavy skillets are used to prevent overcrowding the pork chops, ensuring they brown properly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How can I adjust the sauce if it is too thick?
If the sauce is thicker than you prefer, you can add back a bit of the reserved tomato juice to reach the desired consistency.
What does it mean to degrease the sauce?
Degreasing involves removing excess fat or oil from the surface of the sauce before serving to improve the flavor and texture.
How long do I sear the pork chops?
The pork chops should be seared for about 10 minutes, turning frequently until they are browned on both sides.
Should the skillet be covered while browning the meat?
Yes, the instructions indicate that the chops should be covered while browning in the skillet.
How long do I allow the wine to reduce?
The white wine should be reduced uncovered for approximately 5 minutes until it reaches a glaze-like consistency.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
The recipe calls specifically for dry white wine to maintain the intended flavor profile of the tomato and sage sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
The rich sauce is excellent for soaking into side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
How is the dish finished before serving?
The pork chops are placed on a platter, covered with the sauce, and sprinkled with minced fresh sage.
Is this recipe considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a hearty and comforting dish that provides great satisfaction.
How many fresh sage leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 whole fresh sage leaves to be used during the cooking process.
What kind of skillet is best to use?
Heavy skillets, such as cast iron or heavy-bottomed pans, are recommended for even heating and proper browning.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
The recipe is optimized for canned whole tomatoes which provide the specific volume and juice needed for the sauce.
When should I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to your personal preference after the cooking process is complete.