Basil Pork Chops

Basil Pork Chops Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Basil Pork Chops is a savory and aromatic dish that combines the tender juiciness of pork chops with the sweet and slightly peppery flavor of basil. This recipe is a delightful way to bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table, offering a meal that is both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, these pork chops are simmered in a basil-infused V-8 juice, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma.

History

The history of using basil in cooking dates back thousands of years, with its origins rooted in Asia and Africa before spreading throughout Europe as a culinary herb. Pork chops, on the other hand, have been a staple in many cultures' diets due to the versatility and availability of pork. The combination of pork chops and basil is a relatively modern culinary innovation, showcasing the fusion of traditional ingredients to create new and exciting flavors. This Basil Pork Chops recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of combining fresh herbs with meat to elevate the dining experience.

Ingredients

4 lean center-cut pork chops
(1.25 lb (567 g))
1 cup v-8 juice
1 tsp dried basil
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

How to prepare

Trim and discard excess fat from the chops.
In a large frying pan, brown the chops without adding any fat.
Once the chops are browned, add the remaining ingredients.
Cover the pan tightly and simmer for 40 minutes or until the chops are tender.
Occasionally turn the meat and add a few tablespoons of water if needed to prevent burning.
For each serving, serve 1 chop with 1 tbsp of sauce.
Nutritive values per serving: 3 g Carbohydrates, 25 g Protein, 14 g Fat, 240 calories, 0.7 g Fiber, 521 mg Sodium, 91 mg Cholesterol.
Food exchange per serving: 3 medium-fat exchanges + 1 vegetable exchange.
For low-sodium diets, omit the salt and substitute unsalted V-8 Juice.

Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. For an added touch of sweetness, a tablespoon of honey can be mixed into the V-8 juice before adding it to the pan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the pork chops are tender and flavorful, it's important to trim any excess fat before cooking. Browning the chops without adding any fat helps to sear in the juices, making the meat more succulent. Adding the V-8 juice and basil early in the cooking process allows the pork chops to absorb the flavors fully. Simmering the chops covered ensures that they cook evenly and stay moist. Turning the meat occasionally and adding water as needed prevents burning and sticking, ensuring a smooth, rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each pork chop with a tablespoon of the basil-infused sauce for added flavor. Accompany the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal, providing additional nutrients and fiber.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the pork chops before simmering is crucial for developing depth of flavor. Simmering the chops covered on low heat ensures they cook gently, preventing them from drying out. Turning the meat occasionally allows for even cooking and absorption of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If V-8 juice is not available, tomato juice or a mixture of tomato sauce and water can be used as a substitute. Fresh basil can be used in place of dried basil for a more intense flavor, and chicken broth can replace water for added depth.

Make Ahead Tips

The pork chops can be browned ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. The sauce ingredients can also be mixed and stored separately. When ready to cook, simply combine and simmer as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pork chops with fresh basil leaves before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Serving the chops on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice can also add to the visual appeal and soak up the delicious sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, complements the flavors of the basil and pork beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a basil lemonade or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon pairs well with the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Basil Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops and sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Basil Pork Chops contains approximately 240 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option that can fit into various dietary plans. The balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates provides sustained energy without being overly heavy.

Carbohydrates

This Basil Pork Chops recipe contains 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it a low-carb option suitable for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. The majority of the carbs come from the V-8 juice, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.

Fats

Each serving of Basil Pork Chops contains 14 grams of fat, which contributes to the richness and mouthfeel of the dish. The fat content primarily comes from the pork chops themselves, providing a good balance of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Pork chops are an excellent source of high-quality protein, with each serving of this recipe providing 25 grams of protein. This makes Basil Pork Chops a great option for those looking to maintain or increase their muscle mass, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, and iron, which are essential for energy production, bone health, and immune function. The V-8 juice also contributes vitamins A and C, adding to the nutritional value of the meal.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for individuals with these specific dietary restrictions. However, those with allergies to specific ingredients used in the V-8 juice should check the label carefully.

Summary

Overall, Basil Pork Chops is a nutritious and balanced meal, offering a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Its low carbohydrate content makes it suitable for low-carb diets, while the moderate calorie count allows it to fit into a variety of nutritional plans.

Summary

Basil Pork Chops is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the tender juiciness of pork with the aromatic sweetness of basil. With its low carbohydrate content and good balance of protein and fats, it's a healthy option for any meal. This recipe is versatile, allowing for various substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether served for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Basil Pork Chops is sure to delight.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day, and I had just returned from a long walk in the garden. As I entered the kitchen, I could smell the fragrant aroma of fresh basil wafting through the air. Curious, I peeked over my friend's shoulder to see what she was cooking.

She was busy marinating some pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and of course, basil. The vibrant green color of the herb contrasted beautifully against the white meat, and I couldn't help but be drawn in by its enticing aroma.

"Where did you learn to make this?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.

"Oh, this old recipe has been passed down through my family for generations," she replied with a smile. "My grandmother used to make it for us when we were kids, and it's always been a family favorite."

I watched as she expertly seared the pork chops in a hot skillet, the sizzle of the meat sending my taste buds into overdrive. The basil-infused marinade caramelized beautifully, creating a crispy crust on the outside of the chops.

As she plated the dish and garnished it with a sprig of fresh basil, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The flavors were simple yet incredibly delicious, and I could already imagine serving it to my own family and friends.

Over the next few weeks, I visited my friend often, eager to learn the secrets of her family recipe. She showed me how to properly marinate the pork chops, stressing the importance of letting them sit for at least an hour to absorb the flavors. She taught me how to sear them just right, so they were juicy and tender on the inside, yet crispy on the outside.

I practiced the recipe over and over, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. Sometimes I added a little extra garlic, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

As I grew more confident in my cooking abilities, I began to experiment with different variations of the recipe. I tried using different cuts of pork, adding in other herbs and spices, and even grilling the chops instead of searing them. Each new iteration brought its own unique flavor profile, but the essence of the dish remained the same - simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Years passed, and I continued to make my basil pork chops for family gatherings, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday dinners. The dish became a staple in my repertoire, a go-to recipe that never failed to impress.

One day, as I was preparing the dish for a family barbecue, my granddaughter came into the kitchen, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"What are you making, Grandma?" she asked, her nose twitching at the enticing aroma of basil and garlic.

"Basil pork chops, my dear," I replied with a smile. "A recipe that has been in our family for generations. Would you like to help me make them?"

Her face lit up with excitement, and together we set to work, marinating the pork chops, searing them in the skillet, and garnishing them with a sprig of fresh basil. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as she took her first bite, a look of pure joy spreading across her face.

"These are amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed, her mouth full of tender pork and fragrant basil. "I can't wait to learn how to make them myself."

And so, the tradition continued, as I passed down the recipe for basil pork chops to yet another generation. As I watched my granddaughter learn and grow in the kitchen, I knew that the legacy of this simple yet delicious dish would live on for years to come. And I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful gift of cooking that had been passed down to me, from my friend, from her grandmother, and from countless others who had shared their knowledge and love of food with me over the years.