Pork Chops smothered with Fennel and Garlic

Pork Chops Smothered with Fennel and Garlic Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of pork with the aromatic flavors of fennel and garlic. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic pork chop dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of fennel and garlic adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

2 tsp vegetable oil
4 center-cut loin chops, 1 inch thick
4 – 8 cloves garlic, peeled and slivered
1.25 cups chicken broth
0.67 cups dry white wine
2 fennel bulbs, trimmed, quartered, cut into very thin slices
2 tsp cornstarch
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Pat the chops dry and add them to the skillet.
Cook for 3 – 6 minutes on each side, or until they turn deep golden-brown.
Discard the excess fat.
Remove the skillet from heat (leaving the pork chops in the skillet) and add garlic. Cook for 1 minute in the hot skillet.
Return the skillet to heat and add 1 cup of broth, wine, and fennel. Bring it to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
Remove the chops from the skillet and place them in a pie plate or other ovenproof dish. Lightly cover with foil.
Place the dish in the oven and let the chops continue cooking for 10 – 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F (71°C) when placed near the bone.
Meanwhile, simmer the sauce for 5 minutes or until it reduces slightly.
In a small cup or bowl, mix the remaining cold or room temperature broth with the cornstarch.
Add this mixture to the sauce and boil for 1 minute, or until it lightly thickens.
Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as necessary.
Serve the chops "smothered" with the sauce.
This dish goes well with rice or mashed potatoes.

Variations

Add some chopped tomatoes or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor.
Use different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.
Substitute the pork chops with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the pork chops dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.

- Be careful not to overcook the pork chops, as they can become tough and dry.

- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste preferences by adding more salt and pepper if needed.

- Serve the pork chops with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic with a side of rice or mashed potatoes and a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include searing the pork chops, simmering the sauce, and finishing the dish in the oven to ensure the pork chops are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fennel, you can substitute with celery or onion for a similar flavor profile.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the pork chops as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pork chops on a platter with the sauce drizzled over the top and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the fennel and garlic.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 12 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies before serving.

Summary

This dish is a well-balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a flavorful sauce and tender pork chops, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma of pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic.

Maria welcomed me with a warm hug and a smile, saying, "I've been waiting for you to try this recipe. It's a family favorite, passed down from my grandmother."

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly prepared the ingredients, chopping the fresh fennel and garlic with precision and care. The sizzle of the pork chops on the hot skillet filled the air, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I took my first bite and was transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The flavors of the tender pork, sweet fennel, and aromatic garlic danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of deliciousness.

I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a worn piece of paper with the handwritten instructions, telling me to cherish it and pass it on to future generations.

From that day on, pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home.

Over the years, I made slight tweaks to the recipe, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it uniquely my own. Each time I cooked it, I would think of Maria and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen.

As time passed, I learned more about the origins of the recipe. Maria told me that her grandmother learned it from a dear friend who lived in the countryside of Italy. The friend would gather fresh fennel from her garden and garlic from her fields to create this simple yet flavorful dish.

I felt a deep connection to the recipe, knowing that it had traveled through generations and crossed continents to land on my kitchen table. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

One day, my own granddaughter came to visit me in my kitchen. She watched with wide eyes as I prepared the pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic, just as I had done so many times before.

"Grandma, can I help you make that?" she asked eagerly.

I smiled and nodded, handing her a knife to chop the fennel. As she carefully sliced through the bulb, I told her the story of how I learned the recipe from Maria and the friend from Italy.

My granddaughter listened intently, her curiosity piqued by the tale of how a simple dish could hold so much history and meaning. Together, we cooked the pork chops, laughing and chatting as the delicious aroma filled the kitchen.

When we sat down to eat, my granddaughter took her first bite and her eyes lit up with delight.

"This is amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed.

I smiled, knowing that the recipe had once again worked its magic, bringing joy and connection to another generation.

As I watched my granddaughter savoring the flavors of the pork chops smothered with fennel and garlic, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a cherished tradition in our family for years to come. And I felt grateful for the friendships, stories, and memories that had enriched my life through the simple act of cooking a delicious meal.