Savory Simmered Italian Pork Chops
Prepare to indulge in a delightful meal that combines simplicity with rich flavors! These Savory Simmered Italian Pork Chops come together in a snap, yet yield extraordinary results that will impress your family and friends alike. The boneless center cut pork chops are gently simmered in a savory blend of Italian seasoned stewed tomatoes, allowing them to soak in the flavorful juices and become unbelievably tender. What’s even better is that the cooking time is flexible—you can easily adjust it to fit your busy schedule. Whether you choose to serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or nestle them over a bed of your favorite pasta topped with grated Parmesan, this dish is destined to become a weeknight favorite and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Center Cut Loin Pork Chops
4-6 (1/2-3/4 inch thick, patted dry)
Canned Del Monte Stewed Tomatoes, Italian Recipe
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with basil, garlic and oregano)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for searing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
While the oil heats, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3
Sear the pork chops in the hot pan for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned.
4
Once browned, carefully remove the frying pan from the burner to prevent any burns when adding the next ingredient.
5
Gently pour the can of Italian Recipe stewed tomatoes over the pork chops, ensuring some tomatoes are underneath and the rest are evenly distributed on top.
6
Replace the lid and return the pan to the burner. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork chops are fork-tender. The longer you let them simmer on low, the more tender they’ll become.
7
After the initial simmering, uncover the pan and allow it to simmer for an additional hour (or longer) to reduce the liquid slightly, concentrating the flavors.
8
Serve the pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes—this dish’s juices complement the potatoes flawlessly—or over pasta topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pork chop recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Simmered Italian Pork Chops.
What type of pork chops are best for this dish?
Boneless center cut loin pork chops, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, are recommended.
How many pork chops does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed for 4 to 6 pork chops.
What specific canned tomatoes should I use?
Use one 14.5-ounce can of Del Monte Stewed Tomatoes, Italian Recipe (with basil, garlic, and oregano).
How should I prepare the pork chops before cooking?
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
What type of oil is used for searing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sear the meat.
How long should I sear the pork chops?
Sear the chops for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned.
Why should I remove the pan from the burner before adding tomatoes?
Removing the pan briefly prevents potential burns or splatters when adding the liquid ingredient.
How long do the pork chops need to simmer?
They should simmer covered for 2 to 3 hours, then uncovered for an additional hour.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The pork chops should be simmered on a low heat setting.
Does cooking the pork chops longer help?
Yes, the longer you let them simmer on low, the more tender the meat will become.
What is the purpose of simmering uncovered at the end?
Simmering uncovered for the final hour helps reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
How can I tell when the pork chops are done?
The pork chops are ready when they are fork-tender.
What are the best side dishes for this recipe?
Creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta are the ideal side dishes.
What topping is recommended for serving?
A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is recommended, especially when serving over pasta.
Is this a good recipe for a busy schedule?
Yes, the cooking time is flexible and it is an easy recipe to manage for a weeknight dinner.
What makes these pork chops 'Italian' style?
The use of Italian-style stewed tomatoes seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano provides the Italian flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires only 5 ingredients: pork chops, stewed tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal for easy cleanup.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
The pork becomes unbelievably tender and is described as fork-tender.
Can I use this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is great for gatherings.
How much oil do I need?
You only need one tablespoon of olive oil.
Do I need to add extra water to the tomatoes?
No, the recipe uses the juice from the 14.5-ounce can of stewed tomatoes to simmer the meat.
What is the initial pan temperature?
The frying pan should be heated over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
How should the tomatoes be distributed in the pan?
Ensure some tomatoes are underneath the chops and the rest are evenly distributed on top.
Is this a slow-cooking method?
Yes, while done on the stovetop, it uses a slow-simmering technique for several hours.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste according to your preference.
Why is patting the pork dry important?
Drying the meat helps achieve a better sear and browning in the hot oil.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich flavors and tender texture.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish belongs to Italian cuisine.