Savor the delightful combination of tender pork chops with a sweet and tangy applesauce. The herby flavor of sage and thyme pairs well with the slight kick of garlic and paprika, creating a flavorful crust that complements the juiciness of the pork. With the finishing touch of a simple yet delicious applesauce, this recipe offers a delectable balance of flavors that's sure to impress.
The recipe calls for dried sage and dried thyme, which are herbs that might not be readily available in some households. These herbs lend a traditional, aromatic, and slightly minty flavor that is crucial to the recipe. When shopping, you can find them in the spices and seasonings aisle of any supermarket. Another key ingredient is applesauce, typically found in the canned fruit section or baking aisle. It provides a sweet contrast to the savory pork, enhancing the overall taste.
Ingredients for Pork Chops with Applesauce
Pork loin chops: These are cuts from the loin of a pig, which is one of the leanest and most tender pork cuts.
Paprika: A ground spice made from red air-dried fruits, it adds a sweet peppery flavor.
Garlic powder: It gives a fragrant and flavorful garlic taste without the need for fresh cloves.
Dried sage: This herb gives a warm, musky, and minty flavor.
Dried thyme: Known for its subtle, dry aroma and slightly minty flavor.
Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the pork.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the pork.
Flour: Used for lightly coating the pork chops, helping to brown them and create a thin crust.
Apple sauce: A puree made of apples, it adds a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
One reader, Gennie Johnsen says:
This pork chops with applesauce recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender pork chops and the sweet, tangy applesauce is simply divine. The seasoning is spot on, and the dish is so easy to prepare. It's a definite winner for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Techniques for Preparing Pork Chops with Applesauce
How to season pork chops: Mix paprika, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, then rub the mixture onto the pork chops to evenly coat them.
How to lightly coat the chops with flour: Place flour on a small flat plate and gently pat the chops with flour, shaking off any excess to ensure they are lightly coated.
How to cook the pork chops: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add butter, and cook the chops for 3 ½ to 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
How to rest the pork chops: After cooking, remove the pork chops from the pan and set them on a platter to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
How To Make Pork Chops and Applesauce
These pan-fried pork chops are seasoned with thyme, paprika, sage, and more, cooked until juicy, and served with some applesauce to balance out the flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 14ozboneless pork loin chops,(4 thin), center cut
- ¼tsppaprika
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tspdried Sage
- ½tspdried thyme
- salt and fresh cracked pepper,to taste
- 1tspbutter
- 2tbspflour,leave out for gluten free
- ½cupapple sauce,for serving on the side
Instructions
-
Season pork chops with paprika, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt and fresh pepper to taste.
-
Place flour on a small flat plate and lightly pat the chops with flour, shaking off any excess flour so they are lightly coated.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter when the pan is hot.
-
When the butter melts, place chops in the skillet and cook for 3 ½ to 4 minutes.
-
Turn over and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the internal temp is 145 degrees F.
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Remove from the pan and set on a platter to rest for 3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 194.62kcal
- Fat: 8.96g
- Saturated Fat: 3.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.43g
- Carbohydrates: 7.93g
- Fiber: 0.71g
- Sugar: 2.91g
- Protein: 20.99g
- Cholesterol: 61.08mg
- Sodium: 316.18mg
- Calcium: 14.44mg
- Potassium: 411.45mg
- Iron: 1.12mg
- Vitamin A: 16.51µg
- Vitamin C: 6.56mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Pork Chops and Applesauce
When cooking your pork chops, it's important to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This not only ensures they are cooked thoroughly, but also helps to keep them juicy and tender. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to accurately check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop without touching the bone. Also, remember to let your chops rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chop, resulting in a more flavorful and moist piece of meat.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and season the pork chops the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you're ready to cook.
One-pan cooking: Use a large skillet to cook the pork chops and make the applesauce in the same pan to save time on cleaning up.
Quick applesauce: Use store-bought applesauce to save time, or make a large batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for multiple uses.
Multitask: While the pork chops are resting, use that time to prepare any side dishes or garnishes to serve with the meal.
Sharp knives: Keep your knives sharp to make slicing and prepping ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Efficient workspace: Keep your cooking area organized and clean as you work to save time and reduce stress during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Pork Chops and Applesauce Recipe
pork loin chops - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean and versatile meat that can be used as a substitute for pork loin chops. It has a mild flavor and can easily absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices in the recipe.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smokier flavor compared to regular paprika, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic will provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
dried sage - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute for dried sage, adding a slightly different but complementary herbaceous flavor to the dish.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can replace dried thyme, providing a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter for sautéing the pork chops, adding a light and fruity flavor.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative to flour for thickening the sauce in the recipe.
apple sauce - Substitute with pear sauce: Pear sauce can be used as a substitute for apple sauce, providing a similar sweet and fruity flavor to complement the pork chops.
Presenting Pork Chops with Applesauce
Elevate the pork chops: Place the pork chops on the plate with a slight overlap, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the pork chops to add a pop of color and freshness.
Create a sauce swirl: Drizzle a small amount of apple sauce in a circular motion around the pork chops for an artistic touch.
Add a side of roasted vegetables: Serve the pork chops alongside a medley of roasted vegetables for a balanced and visually stunning presentation.
Use a unique plate: Select a ceramic plate with a subtle pattern or texture to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few delicate edible flowers strategically around the plate to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Consider the negative space: Ensure there is ample white space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out and be the focal point of the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the pork chops and accompanying elements with precision and symmetry to create a visually striking composition.
Essential Tools for Making Pork Chops and Applesauce
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for cooking the pork chops.
- Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is used to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to the proper temperature.
- Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and handling the pork chops while they are cooking in the skillet.
- Platter: A platter is used to rest the cooked pork chops before serving, allowing them to retain their juices and flavors.
- Small flat plate: A small flat plate is used to lightly pat the pork chops with flour before cooking them in the skillet.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the flour and seasonings for coating the pork chops before cooking.
Storing and Freezing Pork Chops with Applesauce
To store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, cooked pork chops will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze the cooked pork chops, wrap each chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped chops in a freezer-safe bag or container, label it with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To store leftover applesauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. You can also freeze applesauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
When you're ready to reheat the frozen pork chops, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you've frozen the applesauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Give it a good stir before serving, as the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating Leftover Pork Chops with Applesauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking to crisp up the exterior. Serve with warm applesauce on the side.
For a quick and easy reheat, use your microwave. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough. Serve with applesauce.
If you have a bit more time, reheat your pork chops in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. Serve with warm applesauce.
For a flavorful twist, slice your leftover pork chops and add them to a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and sauce. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a whole new meal. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles, with a side of applesauce.
If you have access to a sous vide machine, reheat your pork chops using this precise cooking method. Place the pork chops in a vacuum-sealed bag and cook in a water bath at 140°F (60°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will ensure that your pork chops are heated through evenly without drying out. Sear the reheated pork chops in a hot skillet for 30 seconds on each side to crisp up the exterior. Serve with warm applesauce.
Interesting Trivia About Pork Chops and Applesauce
Pork chops are a good source of protein and essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium. They are also a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of flavors, making them a popular choice for many different recipes.
Budget-Friendly Pork Chops with Applesauce
This pork chops with applesauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Pork loin chops are reasonably priced, and the addition of applesauce is a budget-friendly way to enhance the flavor. The use of common pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, and thyme also contributes to its affordability. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a wallet-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Is This Pork Chop and Applesauce Dish Healthy?
The pork chops with applesauce recipe can be considered a relatively healthy dish, as it incorporates lean protein from the pork loin chops and natural sweetness from the applesauce. The seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, sage, and thyme adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives. However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner cut of pork, such as pork tenderloin, to reduce the overall fat content
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the cooking process or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
- Serve the pork chops with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber to the meal
- Prepare homemade applesauce using fresh apples and minimal added sugar to control the sweetness level and avoid any unwanted preservatives
By incorporating these modifications, you can transform this pork chops with applesauce recipe into an even healthier and more well-rounded meal that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
The Editor's Take on Pork Chops with Applesauce
The pork chops with applesauce recipe is a classic combination of savory and sweet flavors. The seasoning of paprika, garlic, sage, and thyme adds depth to the pork chops, while the applesauce provides a delightful contrast with its natural sweetness. The cooking method ensures the pork chops are tender and juicy, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe allows the flavors to shine through, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Pork Chops and Applesauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent pork chops with a perfect blend of paprika, garlic powder, sage, and thyme for a burst of flavor. The careful seasoning and cooking process ensure a tender and juicy result. The addition of applesauce complements the savory pork, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to deliver a memorable dining experience.
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