Recipe

Brined Pork Chops with Gingered Apples

By: 

Co+op

Recipe Information

Total Time: 

45 minutes active; 4-6 hours to brine

Servings: 

4

These succulent, flavorful pork chops are made even more so with the addition of gingered apples.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Gingered Apples

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon spice rub (see below)
  • Pinch of salt

Spice Rub

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper

Brine

  • 2 tablespoons table salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • 6-8 ice cubes

Preparation

  1. Mix the brine ingredients in a large container, and submerge the pork chops in brine. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. Prepare spice rub while the pork is brining (reserving 1 teaspoon to season the apples). Remove the chops from the brine and blot dry with paper towels. Rub with spice rub and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions until softened, then add apples, ginger, wine, water, 1 teaspoon of spice rub, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes until apples are soft. Turn off the heat and reserve.
  3. While the apples cook, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in an extra large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork chops in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until well browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet and cook for a few more minutes. Use a thermometer to test the pork chops and remove them from the pan when they reach 155°F.
  4. Add the applesauce to the skillet and heat through, scraping up the bits off the bottom of the pan. Place each chop on a serving plate, and divide the sauce evenly among the chops.

Serving Suggestion

Accompany the pork chops with garlic mashed potatoes garnished with some fresh chopped rosemary or chives, and a mug of warm mulled cider.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 478, Fat: 28 g, Cholesterol: 101 mg, Sodium: 254 mg, Carbohydrate: 9 g, Dietary Fiber: 1 g, Protein: 39 g

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