Pork Chops with Onions and Apples

 Here's a delicious recipe for

Pork Chops with Onions and Apples:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear the Pork Chops: Carefully add the pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan, cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.

4. Remove Pork Chops: Once seared, transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.

5. Sauté the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the same pan used for searing the pork chops. Reduce heat to medium and cook the onions for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

6. Add Apples: Add the sliced apples to the pan with the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the apples start to soften slightly.

7. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the apple cider or apple juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing process adds extra flavor to the sauce.

8. Add Herbs and Mustard (Optional): Stir in the chopped thyme and Dijon mustard (if using) and bring to a simmer.

9. Return Pork Chops: Carefully return the pork chops to the pan with the sauce and apples. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops as they simmer.

10. Simmer and Cook Through: Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.

11. Serve: Once cooked through, transfer the pork chops, onions, and apples to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in, adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chops cook faster.
• For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan with the sauce and simmer for a minute or two until thickened.
• If the sauce seems too tart, add a pinch of brown sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for Pork Chops with Onions and Apples! It's a perfect fall-inspired dish that's flavorful and satisfying.