## Perfectly Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze and Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Hello dear readers,
It’s Al here, back with another delicious recipe to share with you! This week, I found myself craving something that combines hearty flavors with a touch of sweetness – perfect as the weather starts to cool and we settle into autumn here in the UK. After rummaging through my fridge and pantry, I decided to whip up these Perfectly Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze and Buttery Mashed Potatoes. It’s a dish that brings together tender, juicy pork chops and a luscious, slightly tangy glaze that makes everything feel a bit more special.
### Why I Love This Dish
Cooking for a family of six – my lovely wife and our three boys, Edward (4), Alexander (3), Barnaby (1), and our precious little Phillipa (almost 1) – can be a delightful challenge. I always aim to create meals that are both satisfying and enjoyable for everyone. These pork chops hit the mark perfectly. The apple cider glaze adds a refreshing twist that even brings a smile to Edward’s picky face, while the buttery mashed potatoes are always a hit with the boys. Phillipa is still too young to fully enjoy the meal, but I have a feeling she’ll love it in no time.
### Ingredients
(*Full list above*)
### Method
Let’s dive straight into how to prepare this. Trust me, it’s simpler than it looks, and the reward is absolutely worth it.
1. **Prepare the Pork Chops:**
Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. **Pan-Sear the Pork Chops:**
Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 63°C/145°F). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering them loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. **Cook the Apples and Onions:**
In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onions. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
4. **Make the Apple Cider Glaze:**
Pour the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the Dijon mustard and butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Add the fresh thyme leaves and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Combine and Serve:**
Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Spoon the apple cider glaze over the pork chops and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until reheated. Serve the pork chops with the apple cider glaze drizzled over them, along with the apples and onions.
### Buttery Mashed Potatoes:
1. **Boil the Potatoes:**
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. **Mash the Potatoes:**
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, and mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Serve:**
Plate the buttery mashed potatoes alongside the pork chops and apple cider glaze for a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy!
### A Few Quick Tips
– **Choosing the Pork Chops:** I recommend bone-in chops for extra flavor, but boneless works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
– **Apples:** Granny Smith apples hold their shape nicely and add a pleasant tartness, but you can experiment with your favorite variety.
– **Make Ahead:** The glaze can be made ahead of time and reheated gently when you’re ready to serve.
### Final Thoughts
There’s something heartwarming about cooking up a meal that fills the house with wonderful aromas and brings the family together around the dinner table. This recipe is one of those go-to dishes for me – it’s straightforward enough for a weeknight, but feels special enough for a Sunday dinner. I hope you and your family enjoy these Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze and Buttery Mashed Potatoes as much as we do.
Until next time, happy cooking!
Best wishes,
Al
Ingredients
### Ingredients:
– 4 Pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
– 1 tsp Salt
– 1/2 tsp Black pepper
– 1 tbsp Olive oil
– 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
– 1 Medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup Apple cider
– 1/4 cup Chicken broth
– 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
### Buttery Mashed Potatoes:
– 1.5 kg Potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper), peeled and cubed
– 100 g Butter
– 150 ml Milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Method
### Method:
1. **Prepare the Pork Chops:**
– Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. **Pan-Sear the Pork Chops:**
– Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 63°C/145°F).
– Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering them loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. **Cook the Apples and Onions:**
– In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onions. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
4. **Make the Apple Cider Glaze:**
– Pour the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir to combine.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
– Stir in the Dijon mustard and butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
– Add the fresh thyme leaves and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Combine and Serve:**
– Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Spoon the apple cider glaze over the pork chops and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until reheated.
– Serve the pork chops with the apple cider glaze drizzled over them, along with the apples and onions.
### Buttery Mashed Potatoes:
1. **Boil the Potatoes:**
– Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
– Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. **Mash the Potatoes:**
– Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
– Add the butter and milk, and mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Serve:**
– Plate the buttery mashed potatoes alongside the pork chops and apple cider glaze for a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy!
