Pork Chops with Toasted Spice Rub and Apple Dressing
Skill Level: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Nutrition Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):
Calories: 509
Total Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 53 g
Cholesterol: 176 mg
Sodium: 852 mg
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Discover the irresistible blend of savory pork, aromatic toasted spices, and sweet apple sauce in this mouthwatering dish. Perfect for home cooks ready to elevate their skills!
- 4 center-cut pork chops, each about 12 ounces
- Gray salt, for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Spice Rub (recipe below)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup Honey Roasted Apple Sauce (recipe below)
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Generously sprinkle both sides of pork chops with gray salt and Toasted Spice Rub.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chops 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a baking sheet and pour off excess oil.
- Bake until just cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Rest on a serving platter.
- Return skillet to medium heat, add wine, scrape bits, and reduce to 2 tablespoons. Stir in apple sauce, simmer, and spoon over chops for a glorious finish.
Toasted Spice Rub
Unlock bold, nutty flavors with this easy homemade rubyour secret weapon for unforgettable meats!
- 1/4 cup fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup pure California chili powder
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Toast fennel seeds, coriander, and peppercorns in a small heavy pan over medium heat until fennel lightly browns. Add red pepper flakes, toss, and cool on a plate.
- Blend cooled spices with chili powder, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. For ultra-fine texture, grind seeds first, then mix.
- Store in a glass jar in a cool, dry spot or freeze for peak freshness.
- Tip: Run exhaust fan and avoid inhaling fumes after adding red pepper flakes.
- Yields about 1 cup.
Honey Roasted Apple Sauce
Yield: 8 servings
Craft this caramelized delightversatile, sweet, and the perfect complement to pork or any cozy meal!
- 12 apples (Gravenstein or McIntosh ideal)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, preferably gray salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Peel, core, and cube apples into 1-inch pieces; place in a large bowl.
- Heat a large skillet or roasting pan over medium-high. Melt butter until browning, add lemon juice, apples, and salt.
- Saut until apples color, about 4 minutes. Stir in honey.
- Roast until tender and caramelized, 12 minutes. Mash for chunky texture or blend smooth.
- Serve warm, room temp, or chilledpure comfort in every bite!
