Pork Chop in the Oven

Pork Chop Bake – a classic, tasty, and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner or a special lunch. This recipe combines the intense flavors of pork with the subtle notes of garlic and spices, creating a dish that will delight your taste buds. Let's explore this delicious recipe together, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 7 slices of pork chop (approximately 1.5 cm thick)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in tomato sauce (400 g)
- 1 cup (200 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredient Discussion

Pork chop is an excellent choice due to its juicy texture and rich flavor. Choose slices with a thin layer of fat to ensure tender meat. Garlic is not just a flavoring ingredient; it also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, adding extra benefits to the dish. The tomato sauce will add a hint of acidity that balances the fat of the meat.

A Brief History

The pork chop bake has deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. It is a dish that has been cooked in countless ways, adapted from one culture to another. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for home cooking, bringing a touch of comfort and familiarity to every meal.

Step by Step

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This temperature will help achieve a nice crust on the chops.

2. Washing and preparing the meat
Wash the pork chop slices under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water. This step is essential for even browning.

3. Flavoring the oil
Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a pan with 3 tablespoons of heated oil. Let them fry for about 1 minute, until the garlic aroma infuses the oil. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.

4. Browning the chops
Remove the garlic cloves from the pan and add the pork chop slices, previously seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika (optional, for extra flavor and color). Sear them for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden. This will help seal in the juices of the meat.

5. Combining the ingredients
Once the chops are browned, transfer them to a baking dish. Add the fried garlic cloves, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes in tomato sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.

6. Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and reduce the oven temperature to 170°C. Bake the dish for 1 hour. This step will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

7. Finishing the dish
After an hour, remove the aluminum foil and return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy crust. The chops should be well cooked and juicy.

8. Serving
Once the chops are ready, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and freshness. Pork chops are best served with creamy mashed potatoes, which will soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This pork chop bake pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, but you can also experiment with other sides, such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. A well-chosen bottle of red wine will perfectly complement the meal, adding an extra touch of elegance.

Possible Variations

To give a personal touch to the recipe, you can add other vegetables to the dish, such as diced carrots or potatoes, which will cook alongside the chops. You can also try replacing the vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen pork chops?
It is recommended to thaw the meat before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. How can I tell if the chops are cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 70°C.

3. Can I substitute the oil?
Yes, you can use butter or another vegetable oil, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

Pork chop is an excellent source of protein, contributing to muscle development. Garlic provides cardiovascular benefits, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, with a moderate caloric intake per serving, around 350-400 calories, depending on the side dish.

Personal Note

I fondly remember the evenings spent with family when this pork chop bake was the star of the table. Each bite brought back warm and loving memories. I recommend trying this recipe not only to enjoy a delicious meal but also to create special moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!