Best Seared Pork Chop With Apple Gravy And Potato Squash Cake Recipes

PAN-SEARED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Brine: In a medium saucepan, bring water, salt, and maple sugar to a boil over high heat. Stir until dissolved, 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add ice to the concentrated brine, diluting and quickly chilling it so you can use it right away. (Alternately, add 3 cups cold water to the concentrated brine and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before using.)
• Pork Chops: Three hours before you plan to cook the pork chops, place them in a gallon-size zip-top bag set in a bowl (for easy pouring and clean-up), then pour in the brine, making sure the chops are submerged. Seal, and chill in the refrigerator 2 hours.
• Remove pork chops from bag and discard brine. Dry chops well with paper towels. Allow meat 1 hour to come to room temperature (this will ensure even cooking). Season each chop on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and heat until rippling but not smoking, 2 minutes. Sear pork chops, 1 at a time, pressing the meat down with a heavy plate or bowl to get an even, golden sear on the bottom, 1-2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining oil and pork chops. Finish the chops by placing back in the pan, 2 at a time (for a 9-inch skillet). Turn off heat and add 3 tablespoons butter and a sprig of thyme. Tilt the pan and, using a long-handled spoon, baste the chops with the butter. Repeat with remaining chops and butter.
• Finish by placing all of the pork chops on the preheated baking sheet and roasting in the oven 3-5 minutes. Chops will be done when they're springy to the touch and the thickest part, near the bone, reaches 120 degrees F.
• Assembly: Transfer chops to a bed of thyme and tent lightly with foil to rest, 5-7 minutes. Remove tent, discard thyme, and serve.

GREEK-INSPIRED SEARED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Place pork chops between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to flatten to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides of the chops evenly with Greek seasoning.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Place 2 chops in the hot skillet and sear for 2 minutes. Flip and cook until chops are no longer pink in the center, or to desired degree of doneness, 2 to 4 more minutes. Set aside and keep warm. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and repeat to cook remaining 2 chops.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are slightly blistered and softened, about 3 minutes. Add olives and lemon juice and cook for 2 minutes.
• Serve tomato mixture over pork chops and sprinkle each serving with feta cheese and parsley.

PAN-SEARED PORK CHOPS WITH SAGE, DATES AND PARSNIPS

Steps:

• Brine the chops: Put salt and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in 4 cups water to dissolve. Add thyme sprig and pork chops. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. When ready to cook, remove chops from brine and pat dry. Discard brine.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put a large pot of well-salted water over high heat. When it boils, add parsnips and bring to a brisk simmer. Cook until parsnips are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain parsnips and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When oil is wavy, sear chops until nicely browned, about 3 minutes per side. (Work in batches if you don't have a large skillet.)
• Transfer chops to a roasting pan or sheet pan in one layer. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until meat is 140 degrees when probed with an instant-read thermometer. Remove from oven and let rest while you make the sauce.
• Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-high heat. Add butter and let it begin to brown. Add sage leaves and dates, and let sizzle for about a minute. Add pepper and lemon juice, and pull off heat. Taste, and add more pepper or lemon to taste.
• To serve, place chops and a spoonful of parsnips on warm plates. Spoon butter mixture over chops and parsnips.

PORK CHOPS AND SWEET POTATO GRAVY

Steps:

• Season the pork chops with the rub. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chops, about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the chops to a warm platter and set aside.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the flour and, stirring constantly, cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the roux is chocolate brown. Add the onions and water and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until wilted. Add the pecans, water, salt, and cayenne and mix well. Bring to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and blend to make a smooth mixture. Stir in the syrup and green onions. Return the pork chops to the pan, reduce the heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, basting the chops with the gravy.
• Serve immediately.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.