Apple And Sage Pork Chops

Apple and Sage Pork Chops is a delightful dish that marries the savory richness of pork with the sweet tartness of apples, enhanced by the aromatic presence of sage. This combination not only promises a depth of flavor but also delivers a visually appealing plate that’s perfect for autumn evenings. The pork chops are seared to a golden perfection, then simmered with slices of crisp apples and fragrant sage leaves, creating a sauce that’s subtly sweet and wonderfully savory. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Serve these pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complete a meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 apples, preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith, cored and sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8-10 fresh sage leaves
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Brown the pork chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the apples have softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sage leaves, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Return the pork chops to the skillet: Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet among the apples and onions. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the pork chops simmer gently until they are cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, depending on their thickness.
6. Finish the sauce: Once the pork chops are done, transfer them to a serving platter. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it into the sauce now, letting it simmer for an additional minute to thicken slightly.
7. Serve: Spoon the apple and sage sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately.

This Apple and Sage Pork Chops recipe offers a beautiful blend of flavors that elevate the simple pork chop to a dish that’s bursting with the tastes of the season.