Cider Braised Pork Chops with Heaven and Earth
Transform your dinner table into a culinary masterpiece with this recipe for Cider Braised Pork Chops with Heaven and Earth. Juicy bone-in pork chops are seasoned, seared to golden perfection, and slowly braised in a luscious blend of apple cider, chicken stock, and aromatic herbs. The star side dish, Heaven and Earth, combines the sweet brightness of apples with the creamy heartiness of russet potatoes, all mashed together with a hint of nutmeg and rich heavy cream. Topped with a silky, cider-infused pan sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a special weeknight indulgence, this recipe is a soul-warming celebration of bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in pork chops
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 large Yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Apple cider
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 3 pieces Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 2 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in the sliced onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Deglaze the skillet with apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the chicken stock, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf.
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the chops halfway through, until tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
While the pork chops are braising, prepare the Heaven and Earth. Place the diced potatoes and apples in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
Drain the potatoes and apples, then return them to the pot. Mash together with heavy cream, ground nutmeg, and additional salt and pepper to taste, until smooth and creamy.
Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
Serve the pork chops with a generous helping of Heaven and Earth on the side. Drizzle the reduced sauce over the pork chops, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.1 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 126 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 613 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.7 g | ||
| Protein | 33.7 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1051 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
