Braised Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
The fruity apple flavor complements the pork chops wonderfully. Serve this with Creamy Leek Soup and Dinner Rolls.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2–4
- 4 apples
- 4 thick center-cut pork chops
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup apple juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
Freezing Day
Core, peel, and slice apples into eighths. Set aside.
In the side opposite the bone, cut a pocket in each pork chop large enough for 3 apple slices. Season pork chops with cumin, salt, and pepper.
Over medium-high heat in the oil and ½ the butter, sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes on each side until well browned. Remove the chops from the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.
Deglaze by adding ½ cup apple juice and scraping loose all the cooked bits that have stuck to the pan and mixing these into the sauce. Add remaining butter. Add apples to the skillet.
Cover the apples, turn heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove half of the apple slices to a plate, add remaining apple juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Continue to cook the apples and sauce mix.
Stuff 3 slices or more of the reserved apple into each chop. Mash remaining apples in the sauce mix.
Prepare a casserole dish for freezer. Place pork chops in a single layer in dish, pour apple sauce mixture over chops, wrap tightly, and freeze according to casserole dish freezing instructions.
Reheating Instructions
Defrost completely in refrigerator for 24 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chops in oven and reduce temperature to 325°F. Cook, tightly covered, for 45 minutes.
PER SERVING
Calories: 461 | Fat: 32g | Protein: 17g | Sodium: 652mg | Carbohydrates: 27g | Fiber: 2.5g
Cook Seasonally
Visit your local farmer's market, find out what is in season, and plan your cooking around those foods. Not only will your food be fresh and at the peak of its flavor, but you will able to buy it at a great price and freeze it so you can enjoy it year round.
