Southern-style Pork Chops

Southern-style Pork Chops Recipe | Long-grain Rice, Tomatoes & Green Pepper

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Southern-style Pork Chops are a classic comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal. This recipe features tender pork chops smothered in a flavorful gravy, served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh vegetables. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Southern-style Pork Chops have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. This recipe is a classic example of Southern comfort food, with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Pork chops are a popular choice for Southern cooking, as they are affordable, versatile, and easy to prepare. This dish is often served with rice, gravy, and vegetables, making it a filling and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

4 center-cut pork chops, 0.75 to 1 inch thick
1.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp lemon pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
3 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 2.5 cups boiling water
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 cup long-grain rice
4 slices tomatoes, 0.25 inch thick
4 slices white onions, 0.25 inch thick
4 slices green pepper, 0.25 inch thick

How to prepare

Sprinkle both sides of the chops with 1.25 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of lemon pepper.
In a heavy skillet, brown the chops in butter over medium-high heat.
Remove the chops to a platter.
Add the dissolved bouillon cubes and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet, scraping to loosen the pan drippings.
Stir in the rice.
Cook the rice in the bouillon mixture according to the package directions for half the required time. No additional salt is needed.
Place the partially cooked rice and liquid in the bottom of an oiled baking dish.
Arrange the chops on top of the rice.
Place 1 slice each of tomato, onion, and green pepper over each chop.
Sprinkle the remaining salt and lemon pepper over the chops.
Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour or until the chops are easily pierced with a fork.

Variations

Substitute chicken breasts for pork chops for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the rice mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the pork chops well before baking them in the oven. This will help to seal in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the outside.

- Be sure to use a heavy skillet for browning the chops, as this will help to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

- Don't skip the step of partially cooking the rice in the bouillon mixture before baking. This will ensure that the rice is perfectly cooked and absorbs all the flavors of the dish.

- Covering the baking dish tightly with foil will help to trap in the moisture and create a tender and juicy pork chop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Southern-style Pork Chops with a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal.

- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the pork chops before baking helps to seal in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

- Partially cooking the rice in the bouillon mixture before baking ensures that it is perfectly cooked and absorbs all the flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute olive oil for margarine for a healthier option.

- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pork chops and rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish and bake in the oven.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Southern-style Pork Chops on a platter with the vegetables arranged neatly on top for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a classic Southern meal.

- Serve with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a complete Southern feast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 450 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 45g per serving

- Tomatoes: 5g per serving

- Onions: 8g per serving

- Green pepper: 3g per serving

Fats

- Pork chops: 15g per serving

- Margarine: 7g per serving

Proteins

- Pork chops: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium

- Onions: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Folate

- Green pepper: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium

Alergens

Contains dairy (margarine)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the rice, but can be balanced with a side of vegetables or a salad.

Summary

Southern-style Pork Chops are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With tender pork chops, flavorful gravy, and a bed of rice and vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty ingredients of this classic Southern dish!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Southern-style Pork Chops. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in the quaint town of Savannah, Georgia. Martha was known for her delicious Southern cooking, and I always jumped at the chance to learn new recipes from her.

One afternoon, Martha invited me into her cozy kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As she pulled out a skillet and some pork chops, I couldn't help but ask her what her secret was to making the most flavorful pork chops I had ever tasted. With a twinkle in her eye, Martha began to recount the story of how she learned to make Southern-style Pork Chops.

"It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl living on my family's farm," Martha began. "My mama was the best cook in the county, and she taught me everything I know about Southern cooking. One day, a traveling chef passed through our town and shared his recipe for the most succulent pork chops I had ever tasted."

Martha went on to explain how the chef had marinated the pork chops in a blend of spices and seasonings before frying them to perfection. The result was a dish that was both tender and flavorful, with a crispy outer crust that left you wanting more.

As Martha shared the recipe with me, I couldn't wait to try it for myself. The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As the pork chops sizzled in the skillet, the aroma of garlic, paprika, and cayenne filled the air, transporting me back to that warm summer day in Savannah.

When the pork chops were finally done, I plated them up alongside some creamy mashed potatoes and collard greens. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with this Southern-style Pork Chop recipe. The meat was juicy and tender, with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick.

Since that day, I have made Martha's recipe for Southern-style Pork Chops countless times. Each time, the dish brings back memories of my time in Savannah and the warm hospitality of my dear friend. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Southern cooking that has been a part of my life for so many years.

As I sit here now, flipping through my worn recipe book, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me with each page. The recipe for Southern-style Pork Chops will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy that cooking and sharing a meal can bring.

And who knows, maybe one day I'll pass this recipe on to my grandchildren, just as Martha did for me. For now, I'll continue to cherish the moments spent in the kitchen, surrounded by the love and laughter that good food always seems to bring.