Stuffed Pork Chops

Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe with Orange Juice and Mincemeat

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed pork chops are a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal. The combination of tender pork chops filled with a flavorful mixture of mincemeat, apples, and onions is sure to impress your guests. This recipe is a great way to elevate a simple pork chop into a gourmet meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

Stuffed pork chops have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in many different cultures around the world. The idea of stuffing meat with a flavorful mixture is a great way to add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. This particular recipe combines the classic flavors of mincemeat, apples, and onions to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 pork loin chops
6 oz (170 g) can of thawed orange juice concentrate
0.25 cup of water
2 tbsp of vinegar
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 bay leaves
0.5 tsp of allspice
0.25 tsp of onion powder
0.5 cup of prepared mincemeat
0.5 cup of finely chopped apples
0.25 cup of finely chopped onion

How to prepare

Cut a lengthwise slit in the side of each pork chop, being careful not to cut through the top, bottom, or sides.
Arrange the chops in a shallow baking dish.
Combine the next 7 ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute.
Pour the mixture over the chops and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, turning once.
Combine the mincemeat, apples, and onion.
Remove the chops from the marinade and reserve the marinade.
Press 0.25 cup of the apple mixture into each chop and secure the edges with toothpicks.
Preheat the gas grill.
Cook the chops with the cover down on low heat for 45 minutes, turning once.
Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade.

Variations

You can customize the stuffing by adding different ingredients such as dried cranberries, nuts, or herbs.
You can also try using different types of meat such as chicken or turkey instead of pork.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut a lengthwise slit in the side of each pork chop to create a pocket for the stuffing.

- Refrigerating the chops in the marinade for 8 hours or overnight will allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Basting the chops with the reserved marinade while cooking will help keep them moist and flavorful.

- Cooking the chops on low heat with the cover down will ensure that they cook evenly and stay tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the gas grill and cook the chops with the cover down on low heat for 45 minutes, turning once.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the mincemeat with ground beef or sausage for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chops and stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stuffed pork chops with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the stuffed pork chops with a glass of red wine or a crisp apple cider for a delicious meal.

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

18g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the mincemeat) and soy (from the vegetable oil).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed pork chops are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. This recipe combines tender pork chops with a flavorful stuffing of mincemeat, apples, and onions to create a meal that is sure to please. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for stuffed pork chops. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My mother was an excellent cook, and she would often spend hours in the kitchen preparing delicious meals for us.

One day, while rummaging through my mother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a tattered and stained card that simply read "Stuffed Pork Chops." Intrigued by the unfamiliar recipe, I asked my mother about it. She explained that it was a recipe passed down from her own mother, my grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

Eager to try my hand at making this dish, I asked my mother to teach me how to prepare it. She happily obliged, and together we gathered the necessary ingredients: thick-cut pork chops, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, my mother shared stories of her own experiences learning to cook and the joy she found in creating delicious meals for her loved ones.

After stuffing the pork chops with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, we carefully seared them in a hot skillet until they were golden brown. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the stuffed pork chops were finally ready, we sat down at the table to enjoy our meal together. The first bite was a revelation - the pork was tender and juicy, the stuffing perfectly seasoned. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, passed down through generations and shared with those we hold dear.

From that day on, stuffed pork chops became a staple in our family's recipe repertoire. I would often make them for Sunday dinners or special occasions, each time feeling a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who came before me.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I continued to make stuffed pork chops for my loved ones. I taught my own children how to prepare the dish, passing on the tradition and the memories that came with it. The recipe became a symbol of our family's history, a way to honor the women who came before us and the love they poured into their cooking.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of herbs and spices, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that brought me closer to my family's past. Stuffed pork chops will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food, stories, and traditions with those we love. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that the legacy of this simple recipe will live on for generations to come.