Oven-baked pork chop drizzled with white wine and served with a side of spinach

Oven-Baked Pork Chop with White Wine and Spinach Side Dish

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 75 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a juicy, beautifully browned pork chop seasoned with a splash of white wine? This simple and tasty recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. I invite you to discover the steps needed to create a dish worthy of a restaurant, but in your own home!

A Brief History of the Pork Chop

The pork chop is a versatile and popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. When cooked properly, it can become a delicacy. Using white wine to tenderize the meat is a traditional technique that adds depth of flavor and helps maintain juiciness.

Ingredients

- 1 kg fresh pork chop
- 50 ml semi-dry white wine (I recommend a wine from Jidvei, but you can use any white wine you like)
- 40 g butter (for browning the chop)
- 20 g butter (for sautéing the spinach)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 g fresh spinach (or frozen, depending on the season)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional, for a more intense flavor)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the chop: Start by preparing the pork chop. Wash it well under cold running water and dry it with a paper towel. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili, and hot paprika on all sides of the meat. These spices will add fantastic flavor and an irresistible taste.

2. Browning the chop: In a non-stick skillet, melt 40 g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the chop to the skillet. Brown it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until a beautiful golden crust forms. This is an essential step, as the crust will help keep the meat's juices during baking.

3. Preparing for the oven: Grease a baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the browned chop in the dish and generously drizzle it with the semi-dry white wine. This will add a delicate flavor and help tenderize the meat.

4. Baking in the oven: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius. Cook the chop for 30 minutes. After this time, turn the chop over and leave it in the oven for another 20-25 minutes. Finally, remove the aluminum foil and let it bake for another 20 minutes, until it becomes golden and crispy.

5. Preparing the spinach side dish: While the chop is baking, you can prepare the side dish. Boil the spinach in salted water for 15 minutes, then drain it well. In a skillet, melt 20 g of butter and add the spinach. Sauté it for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt to taste. This side dish is healthy and colorful, but if you want something heartier, you can opt for a mix of vegetables, fried potatoes, or mashed potatoes.

Serving and Suggestions

When the chop is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, making it juicier. Serve the chop alongside the spinach side dish, and if you like, you can add a few slices of lemon for a touch of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, this recipe can be adapted using chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will vary.
- What wine should I choose? Choose a semi-dry white wine that you like, as the flavors will intensify during cooking.
- How can I store the chop? The cooked chop can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutritional Information

This oven-baked pork chop recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Pork chop is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Spinach adds iron, vitamin K, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for a side dish.

Possible Variations

- For a more intense flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme in addition to the spices used.
- For a varied side dish, replace the spinach with broccoli or green beans, which can be steamed and then sautéed in butter.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to start cooking! Try this oven-baked pork chop recipe with white wine and enjoy a delicious dish that will surely become a family favorite!