Breaded Pork Chop with Zucchini

Pork Chop with Breaded Zucchini

Are you craving a delicious meal, full of flavors and textures? This recipe for pork chop with breaded zucchini is perfect for you! Whether you're preparing for a special dinner or a weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2

Recipe history: Pork chops and zucchini are classic ingredients in many culinary cultures. The pork chop, with its juicy texture, is often associated with grilled or baked dishes, while zucchini, besides being a versatile vegetable, adds a fresh and crunchy note. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious combination that satisfies both the taste buds and the eyes.

Ingredients:
- 1 piece of pork chop (about 300 g)
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100 g of flour
- Oil for frying (or a mix of oil and butter)
- 1 carrot
- Thyme, to taste
- Sweet or smoked paprika, to preference
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 25 ml of liquid cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step by step:

1. Seasoning the chop: Start by preparing the pork chop. Season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, ensuring all flavors are well distributed. Let it sit for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

2. Grilling: Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Place the chop on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it gets a nice color and a delicious crust. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

3. Carrot bed: Peel the carrot and cut it into thin, longitudinal strips. These will form a tasty bed for your chop. Arrange the carrot strips on a baking tray.

4. Baking the chop: Place the chop over the carrot strips, drizzling everything with a little oil. Put the tray in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for 25 minutes.

5. Preparing the breaded zucchini: Meanwhile, prepare the zucchini. Peel it and cut it into rounds about 1 cm thick. In a bowl, mix the eggs with the milk, salt, pepper, and flour until you get a smooth batter. Dip each zucchini round into this mixture, ensuring it is well coated.

6. Frying the zucchini: In a deep pan, heat the oil (or a mix of oil and butter) over medium heat. Add the zucchini rounds and fry them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Garlic dressing: Peel the garlic cloves and mash them. In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic with salt, a little oil, and cream until you get a smooth paste. This dressing will add a savory note to your dish.

8. Plating: Here comes the fun part! Cut the chop into slices and arrange them on a plate. Use a round mold to create an elegant presentation: arrange the zucchini around the plate, the slices of chop in the middle, and a little sliced omelet (optional) if you want to add extra flavor.

9. Decoration: Add a teaspoon of garlic dressing on top of the zucchini and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle a little curry or paprika for a more attractive appearance.

Practical tips:
- If you want to try a healthier version, you can bake the zucchini instead of frying them. Place them on a baking tray, drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
- You can add herbs like oregano or parsley to the zucchini mixture for extra flavor.
- The pork chop can be replaced with chicken or turkey breast for a lighter option.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use larger zucchinis? It is better to choose medium-sized zucchinis as they are more tender and flavorful.
- How can I store the breaded zucchini for later consumption? It is recommended to consume them immediately, but if you want to keep them, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan to regain crispiness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe for pork chop with breaded zucchini offers a balanced meal, rich in proteins and vitamins. The pork chop is an excellent source of protein, while zucchini contains antioxidants and is low in calories. A serving has approximately 600 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

So get ready for a delicious culinary experience! Surely, each bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Enjoy your meal!