PORK CHOPS WITH APRICOT RICE

Pork Chops with Apricot Rice image

I came up with this recipe to use some of my favorite ingredients in a quick-to-fix entree. I love the combination of apricots, golden raisins and celery with the crunch of almonds. I've gotten raves with this distinctive pork chop dish. -Fayne Lutz, Taos, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 can (15-1/4 ounces) apricot halves, undrained
6 pork chops (1/2 inch thick)
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped celery
2-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
3/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Steps:

In a blender or food processor, puree the apricots until smooth; set aside. , In a skillet over medium heat, brown pork chops in butter for 2-3 minutes on each side; remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute celery until tender. Add rice, water, raisins, ginger, salt, pepper and apricot puree; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in almonds., Pour into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place the chops on top. Cover and bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until the pork is no longer pink and the rice is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510 calories, Fat 17g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 328mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 35g protein.