Savory Smothered Pork Chops with Rich Red Eye Gravy
Indulge in the comforting and robust flavors of Savory Smothered Pork Chops with Rich Red Eye Gravy, a beloved dish that will elevate your dining experience. This recipe utilizes assorted bone-in pork chops, which provide exceptional flavor when well browned to a deep mahogany hue. The key to this dish is the slow cooking process, allowing the pork to become fork-tender while infusing the rich depth of freshly brewed black coffee into the gravy. For a satisfying meal, serve this dish over creamy, old-fashioned grits that complement the savory sauce perfectly. Ideal for a late morning brunch or a cozy Sunday supper, this dish is sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Treat yourself to this culinary delight as you savor every bite of this classic comfort food dish.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Assorted bone-in pork chops
4 (Do not trim the fat; leave bone-in for flavor.)
Creole seasoning
to taste (Use a generous amount for seasoning.)
Freshly brewed black coffee
24 ounces (Brew using 6 ounces of coffee per pork chop for the best flavor.)
Old-fashioned grits
as needed (Cook according to package instructions, avoid instant varieties.)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the pork chops generously with Creole seasoning on both sides, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
2
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet, allowing them to brown without overcrowding the pan.
3
Brown the chops thoroughly until they achieve a deep mahogany color, turning occasionally. This should take approximately 45 minutes to an hour; patience is key for developing flavor.
4
Once the pork chops are well browned, carefully pour in the freshly brewed black coffee. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate into the gravy.
5
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the chops simmer for about 1 hour, or until they are fork-tender and infused with the rich flavors of the coffee.
6
While the chops are simmering, prepare the old-fashioned grits according to package instructions. Serve the tender pork chops over a generous scoop of hot grits, spooning the red eye gravy on top for a delightful finish.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Smothered Pork Chops with Rich Red Eye Gravy.
What kind of pork chops are recommended for this recipe?
Assorted bone-in pork chops are recommended for exceptional flavor.
Should I trim the fat off the pork chops?
No, you should not trim the fat; leaving it on provides better flavor.
What is the primary seasoning used for the pork?
Creole seasoning is used generously on both sides of the chops.
How much coffee is needed for the red eye gravy?
You will need 24 ounces of freshly brewed black coffee.
What is the recommended coffee ratio per pork chop?
The recipe suggests brewing 6 ounces of coffee per pork chop for the best flavor.
How long does it take to brown the pork chops?
Browning takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to achieve the desired depth of flavor.
What color should the pork chops be after browning?
They should achieve a deep mahogany color.
What should I do with the browned bits at the bottom of the skillet?
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits and incorporate them into the gravy.
How long should the pork chops simmer in the coffee?
The chops should simmer for about 1 hour until they are fork-tender.
What is the best side dish to serve with these pork chops?
They are best served over creamy, old-fashioned grits.
Can I use instant grits for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends old-fashioned grits and suggests avoiding instant varieties.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
There are 35 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 26 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is ideal for a late morning brunch or a cozy Sunday supper.
What heat level should I use to brown the meat?
You should heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for browning.
What heat level is used for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low once the coffee is added and the skillet is covered.
What cuisine style does this recipe belong to?
This is a classic Southern cuisine dish.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 4 main ingredients: pork chops, Creole seasoning, black coffee, and grits.
What makes the red eye gravy 'rich'?
The richness comes from the slow infusion of freshly brewed black coffee with the pork drippings and browned bits.
Do I need to cover the skillet during cooking?
Yes, the skillet should be covered during the simmering stage.
How many pork chops does this recipe prepare?
The recipe specifies using 4 pork chops.
What is the texture of the pork after cooking?
The pork becomes fork-tender after the slow simmering process.
Why is patience important in this recipe?
Patience is key for developing flavor during the long browning process.
What tools are recommended for making the gravy?
A large skillet and a wooden spoon are recommended for browning and scraping the pan.
Should I use flavored coffee?
The recipe calls for freshly brewed black coffee to maintain the savory profile.
How is the dish finished for serving?
The tender pork chops are placed over grits and the red eye gravy is spooned on top.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include pork chops, red eye gravy, comfort food, and Southern cuisine.