Pork chop with gratin Brussels sprouts

Pork Chop with Gratinated Brussels Sprouts

Who doesn't love a savory dish that perfectly combines juicy meat with a delicious side? Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for pork chop with gratinated Brussels sprouts, a meal that not only looks splendid but its taste will transform any dinner into a true celebration. Here’s how you can prepare this dish, step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- Pork chop: 500 g (choose quality chop with a bit of fat for juiciness)
- Brussels sprouts: 400 g (fresh, for maximum flavor)
- Sour cream: 200 g (opt for full-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 1 egg yolk (this will enrich the sour cream mixture)
- Cheese: 150 g (grated, for nice melting)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons (to add a touch of flavor)
- Rosemary: 1-2 sprigs (fresh for intense aroma)
- Butter: 30 g (for greasing the dish)
- Breadcrumbs: 2-3 tablespoons (to create a crispy crust)

A Brief History of the Recipe

Pork chop is a classic ingredient in many culinary cultures, and the combination with Brussels sprouts is an inspired choice. Brussels sprouts, a vegetable that has gained popularity in recent decades, are rich in nutrients and have a slightly bitter taste that perfectly complements the flavors of pork. Gratinating adds a crunchy texture, contrasting with the juiciness of the chop. This dish is ideal for a family dinner but also for special occasions.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Pork Chop
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Place the pork chop on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Use your hands to massage the spices into the meat. This step will help intensify the flavors.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the interior reaches a temperature of 70°C (you can use a meat thermometer to check).

2. Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
- In a pot of boiling water, add the cleaned Brussels sprouts and let them boil for 8-10 minutes until they become tender but not overcooked. Test with a fork – if it goes in easily, they are ready.
- Once boiled, drain the sprouts and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Preparing the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolk, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add richness to the sprouts.
- Add the boiled Brussels sprouts to this mixture and stir well to coat each piece.

4. Assembling the Gratin
- Grease a baking dish with butter and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs on the bottom.
- Add the Brussels sprouts mixture, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top. This will form a delicious crust during baking.
- Place the dish in the oven next to the pork chop and let it bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and crispy.

5. Serving
- Once the chop is cooked and the gratinated Brussels sprouts are browned, take them out of the oven.
- Let the chop rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
- Serve the pork chop alongside the gratinated Brussels sprouts, adding fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration if desired.

Useful Tips

- Gluten-free option: You can omit the breadcrumbs or replace them with a gluten-free version, such as ground oats.
- For extra flavor: Add a few crushed garlic cloves to the sour cream mixture.
- Variations: Instead of Brussels sprouts, you can use cauliflower or broccoli for a different version of this gratin.
- Suitable drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a blonde beer, which will balance the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

- Pork chop is an excellent source of protein and contains B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism.
- Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to immune and digestive health.
- Sour cream adds creaminess, but be sure to use it in moderation as it contains fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, this recipe also works with chicken or turkey breast.
- Can it be prepared in advance? You can prepare the gratinated Brussels sprouts a few hours ahead and reheat them before serving.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add a little chili pepper or smoked paprika to the sour cream mixture for an extra kick.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! This recipe for pork chop with gratinated Brussels sprouts will surely become a favorite on your menu. Enjoy!