Southern Smothered Pork Chops: A Comforting Classic

Are you craving a hearty and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Southern Smothered Pork Chops recipe! These tender, juicy pork chops are bathed in a rich and creamy gravy, infused with savory spices and aromatic onions and garlic. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some down-home comfort food, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we take a culinary journey through the heart of the South and learn how to make these irresistible smothered pork chops!

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3-4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (1 to 1 1/2 inches thick)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Gravy:

• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Season and Coat the Pork Chops:

1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a spice rub.
2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season them generously on both sides with the spice rub.
3. Place 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Brown the Pork Chops:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Transfer the browned pork chops to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy:

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and stir well to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the roux is golden brown.
5. Slowly pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream until the gravy is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer the Pork Chops:

1. Return the browned pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pork chops to simmer in the gravy for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once the pork chops are done cooking, transfer them to serving plates.
2. Spoon the creamy onion gravy over the pork chops.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
4. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Southern comfort food!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Choosing the Right Pork Chops: For this recipe, it’s best to use thick-cut bone-in pork chops, as they will remain juicy and tender during the cooking process. If you prefer boneless pork chops, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
• Adjusting the Thickness of the Gravy: If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add more chicken broth or heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker gravy, you can simmer the gravy for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken further.
• Adding Extra Flavor: Feel free to customize the flavor of the gravy by adding additional herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika. You can also incorporate Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
• Making it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in place of the all-purpose flour for dredging the pork chops and thickening the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe? A: While bone-in pork chops are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can certainly use boneless pork chops if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pork chops may cook faster than bone-in chops.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pork chops and gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy on the stovetop and simmer the pork chops in the gravy until heated through. This makes for a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Q: What side dishes pair well with Southern smothered pork chops? A: Southern smothered pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, green beans, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad. Choose your favorite sides to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Q: Can I freeze leftover pork chops and gravy? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover pork chops and gravy for future meals. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe, you can omit the all-purpose flour used for dredging the pork chops and thickening the gravy. Instead, use almond flour or coconut flour as a low-carb alternative. Additionally, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.

In conclusion, Southern Smothered Pork Chops are a timeless classic that brings the comforting flavors of the South to your dinner table. With tender pork chops smothered in a creamy onion gravy, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening at home or shared with loved ones during a special gathering, this recipe is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. So gather your ingredients, embrace the flavors of the South, and indulge in the irresistible goodness of Southern smothered pork chops!