Great Chops

Here is a pretty simple recipe that I enjoy making often, mostly because its delicious, quick, and easy to clean up. (A very important consideration with a mini-kitchen.) I am not sure where I saw this recipe, or if I just pulled it out of thin air, but it has managed to find its way into our regular repertoire of meals. I know I am not the first to make this dish, but I hope this version of a fairly simple recipe makes others as happy as it does me. The flavors of the caramelized onions and apples mingle together very nicely and marry perfectly with the lighter flavor of the pork chops. I recommend serving a simple mixed green salad with chopped apples, pears and goat cheese to compliment the flavors of the meat and caramelized vegetables. I like to use a slightly tart green apple like a Granny Smith and a red onion. The red onion is a bit sweeter than their yellow or white cousins, and the tartness of the green apple really comes out in the heat of the skillet.

Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples and Onions

2 Center Cut Pork Chops
1 Granny Smith Apple
1/2 a Red Onion
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil

Chop the apples into bite-sized chunks and set aside. Slice the 1/2 onion into thick ribbons. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and cracked pepper. Pour a few good glugs of olive oil into a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil has heated up, drop the apple and onion into the oil and season with salt & pepper. Saute for about five minutes, or until the onions start to become translucent and the apples begin to brown.


Make a hole in the center of the pan, and place the seasoned pork chops in the middle. Continue stirring the apples and onions around and over the chops, letting them caramelize and flavoring the meat at the same time. After about five minutes, flip the chops. When the pork chops are brown and crispy on each side, take the pan off of the heat. The apples should be soft and brown and the onions translucent and caramelized. Serve the pork chop covered with the apples and onions.

Apple and Pear Mixed Green Salad

1 Granny Smith Apple
1 Danjou Pear (or whatever looks best at the market)
Mixed Greens
Crumbled Goat Cheese

Chop the apple and pear into bite sized chunks, toss in with the mixed greens. Add the goat cheese crumbles to suit your tastes. Drizzle lightly with a balsamic vinegar or sesame seed dressing.

ENJOY!