Pork With Apples & Toasted Walnuts

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Advanced
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Juicy pork chops braised in a rich apple-brandy sauce with crunchy toasted walnuts.
Pork With Apples & Toasted Walnuts recipe image
Pork With Apples & Toasted Walnuts recipe image
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Pork With Apples & Toasted Walnuts

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 Calories: 339.2

Description

This elegant yet approachable dish features tender pork loin chops braised in a savory-sweet reduction of apple juice, brandy, and fresh thyme. Tart green apples provide a bright contrast to the rich meat, while toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch and earthy depth. The combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors that feels sophisticated enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal. The apples soften beautifully in the pan sauce, creating a glossy glaze that coats the pork. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the warm, juicy meat and the crisp nuts. It pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes or creamy polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large, heavy skillet over high heat, toast the walnuts for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  2. Remove the walnuts from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Trim a small piece of fat from the edge of one chop.
  5. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the trimmed fat piece.
  6. Heat the fat until it renders and lightly browns, using a spoon to rub it over the bottom of the skillet to grease it evenly.
  7. Discard the browned fat piece and increase the heat to high.
  8. Add the chops to the skillet and brown quickly on both sides.
  9. Pour any excess fat from the skillet.
  10. Add the apple juice, brandy, minced garlic, thyme, and apple slices to the pan.
  11. Cover the pan and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 8 minutes.
  12. Test for doneness by cutting into a chop; it should be tender, juicy, and slightly pink.
  13. If the pork is done but the apples are still crunchy, remove the pork to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm.
  14. Continue cooking the apples, covered, until they are tender.
  15. Return the pork to the pan if removed, or keep warm.
  16. Stir the toasted walnuts into the sauce in the pan.
  17. Spoon the walnut-apple sauce over the chops.
  18. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 339.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23.0g36%
Saturated Fat 3.0g15%
Cholesterol 72.0mg24%
Sodium 62.6mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 4.1g2%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
Sugars 0.8g
Protein 30.6g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: pork chops, apple sauce, brandy, thyme, walnuts, braised pork, fall dinner, quick meal, garlic, green apples, pan sauce, toasted nuts, easy pork, dinner party, comfort food
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