Chop and potatoes in the halogen oven

Pork Chop and Oven-Baked Potatoes: A Savory Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4

In this recipe, we aim to discover the magic of cooking with a halogen oven, a device that combines efficiency and intense heat to produce delicious, tender, and flavorful dishes. The pork chop, with its rich juices, perfectly complements the roasted potatoes, making this meal an ideal choice for a family dinner or a special occasion.

A note about the halogen oven:
The halogen oven uses a cooking system based on the circulation of hot air, which helps cook food evenly while keeping it juicy. Its advantage is that it allows for separate cooking of meats and vegetables, thus preserving distinct flavors and providing a perfect texture.

Necessary Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chop slices (approximately 400-500 g)
- 800 g potatoes (choose starchy potatoes for better texture)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning (you can choose blends containing oregano, rosemary, or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or spicy, depending on preferences)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, dill) and pickled vegetables for serving (cucumbers, peppers)

Nutritional Information
This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork chop and contains healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. Each serving provides a balanced meal, being a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. Calories vary depending on the chosen portion, but on average, each serving can contain approximately 500-600 calories.

Preparing the Recipe
1. Preparing the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes or slices. Boil them in 700 ml of hot water on low heat for 8-10 minutes. This step will help soften them, resulting in fluffier and more tender potatoes. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of sugar and a little salt to the boiling water. The sugar will help caramelize the potatoes during baking.

2. Seasoning the Chop: In a bowl, mix the olive oil with the steak seasoning, granulated garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to the meat. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the pork chop slices with this mixture, ensuring they are well covered. You can let the chop marinate for 15-30 minutes to intensify the flavors.

3. Preparing the Oven: Place the drained potatoes on the lower rack of the halogen oven. On the upper rack, place the pork chop slices. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and set the cooking time to 25 minutes.

4. Maintaining the Dish: After 25 minutes, lift the lid of the halogen oven and carefully turn the pork chop slices to brown evenly. Close the lid and set an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on your preferences for browning. Well-cooked meat should have a golden crust while remaining juicy inside.

5. Serving: Once the chop and potatoes are ready, place them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and add pickled vegetables on the side. This combination will bring a pleasant contrast of flavors and textures.

Useful Tips
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor of the meat. You can also add a bit of fresh rosemary or lemon for a fresher taste.
- Types of Potatoes: If you want a healthier option, you can use sweet potatoes, which add a sweet note and are very nutritious.
- Variations: You can replace the pork chop with chicken breast or turkey, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of the slices.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or yogurt-based sauces, which add a note of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Why use a halogen oven?: The halogen oven is quick, efficient, and keeps food juicy, providing evenly cooked dishes.
- Can I use other types of meat?: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey.
- How well should the meat be cooked?: The pork chop should have an internal temperature of at least 63 degrees Celsius to be considered safely cooked.

This pork chop and oven-baked potatoes recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also a simple way to bring together flavors and textures in an easy and enjoyable manner. Give it a try and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!