Description
Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern dish that embodies the comforting flavors of tender, juicy pork chops nestled in a rich, savory mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: Opt for bone-in pork chops for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil helps to sear the pork chops to a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Onions: Sliced onions add sweetness and depth to the mushroom gravy.
- Mushrooms: Fresh, sliced mushrooms contribute an earthy, umami element to the sauce.
- Flour: A simple sprinkling of flour helps to thicken the gravy, creating a luscious, velvety texture.
- Beef Broth: Rich beef broth serves as the foundation for the gravy, infusing it with robust flavor.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the savory notes in the dish.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbaceous aroma and complexity to the gravy.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the pork chops and gravy with salt and pepper ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, refreshing finish when sprinkled over the top of the dish.
Instructions
1. Sear the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops until they develop a golden-brown crust on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions and mushrooms until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the garlic powder and thyme, and let the gravy simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Smother and Simmer: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the pan and let the pork chops simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the Smothered Pork Chops with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot, spooning the rich, mushroom gravy over the top. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy biscuits, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
To make this dish even healthier, you can opt for leaner pork chops, use low-sodium broth, and serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 80