This easy pork chop recipe combines savory, tender pork with sweet, caramelized apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors using local ingredients that can be found even during the colder months. Serve it with wild rice or roasted root vegetables for a cozy and comforting winter supper.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples (we recommend a firm baking apple like Haralson)
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 12 ounces each)*
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions:
- Core and slice the apples. You can leave the peel on if you like the texture and color, or remove the peel as well. Set aside in a small bowl.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Sprinke a pinch of salt on both sides of the pork chops. Heat a cast iron or other oven-safe pan on the stovetop on medium high heat. Add butter until melted. Sear both sides of the pork chops, approximately 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chops from the pan and set aside while preparing the apples.
- Toss the apples with maple syrup and cinnamon and put in the pan. Lay the pork chops on top.
- Cover and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F (use an internal meat thermometer to measure the temperature before removing it from the heat.)
- Allow the meat to rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
*You can make this with any style of pork chop, just adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chop.
Makes 2 (hearty) servings
