Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and water.
5. Place the pork chops in a baking dish and pour the applesauce mixture over them.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the top of the pork chops.
8. Serve hot with the applesauce on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork chops can be substituted with boneless pork chops or chicken breasts.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can be substituted with apple pie spice.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions and garlic to the skillet when cooking the pork chops for extra flavor.
- Use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the applesauce mixture for crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the pork chops before baking to add flavor and texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pork chops in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pork chops on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Steamed green beans
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork chops are not cooked through after baking, cover with foil and continue baking until done.
- If the applesauce mixture is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Baked pork chops with applesauce is a classic American dish that dates back to the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The pork chops are savory and slightly sweet, while the applesauce adds a tangy and fruity flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pork chops with a side of applesauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Sweet, Apple, Apple-Flavored