These Apple and Sage Pork Chops are a delightful blend of sweet and savory that brings out the best in each ingredient. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe highlights fall flavors that will warm your soul and impress your taste buds.
Pork chops: Opt for bone-in, about 1 inch thick, to ensure juicy and flavorful results. The bone helps retain moisture and adds depth to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chops, it adds a subtle richness and helps achieve that coveted golden crust.
Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart contrast. They soften beautifully without turning mushy.
Onion: Adds a caramelized sweetness that complements the apples and pork. Thinly slice to ensure even cooking.
Chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory base that ties the flavors together. It also helps deglaze the skillet, picking up all those delicious browned bits.
Butter: Adds creaminess and helps brown the onions and apples to perfection.
Sage: Fresh and aromatic, finely chopped sage brings an earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
These pork chops pair beautifully with rustic mashed potatoes or a simple wild rice pilaf. For a green touch, try serving alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The dish's flavor profile also complements a crisp white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, grab a large, oven-safe skillet and heat up about two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. As the oil gets hot, season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial for flavor, so don't skimp on the seasoning.
Once the oil is shimmering, place the pork chops in the skillet. You'll want to sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This searing locks in the juices and adds a lovely crust. After searing, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside for a moment.
In that same skillet, toss in two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once it's melted, add the sliced onion and apples. Sauté these together for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the apples soften slightly. You'll know they're ready when the kitchen starts smelling irresistibly sweet and savory.
Next, pour in half a cup of chicken broth and sprinkle in the finely chopped sage. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer. This mixture will form the delicious base that the pork will cook in.
Gently nestle the seared pork chops back into the skillet, making sure they're well surrounded by the apple-onion mixture. Transfer the entire skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before taking them out.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
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