Greek-style pork chop with mushrooms and couscous

Pork Chop a la Grec with Mushrooms and Couscous

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for pork chop a la grec, enriched with succulent mushrooms and served with aromatic couscous. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to make, ideal for a family dinner or a special lunch. Here are the steps you need to follow to create this savory dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 6 slices of pork chop
- 400 ml sour cream
- 1 jar of sliced mushrooms (approximately 400 g)
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon lard
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- 200 ml meat broth
- 200 g Hutton couscous
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

A bit of history:
The recipe for pork chop a la grec is a delicious combination of influences from various culinary cultures, making it a beloved dish in many corners of the world. The mushrooms and pork chop pair perfectly, and the creamy sour cream sauce adds a touch of refinement. Combining these with couscous, a versatile and nutritious food, transforms this dish into an excellent choice for festive meals or quiet evenings at home.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the pork chop:
Start by seasoning the pork chop slices with salt and lightly dusting them with flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step will help achieve a golden and crispy crust during cooking.

2. Browning the chops:
In a large skillet, add the lard and 25 g of butter. Heat over medium heat. When the lard and butter have melted and started to foam, place the chops in the skillet. Let them brown nicely, about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove the chops to a plate and keep warm.

3. Preparing the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter (25 g) and the remaining flour. Mix well to form a roux, being careful not to burn it. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, pour in the meat broth and mix until smooth. Return the chops to the skillet, add the chopped parsley, and let simmer on low heat, covered, for 30-40 minutes. Check occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Creating the creamy sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with the mustard and sour cream. If necessary, you can add a spoonful of the skillet sauce to temper the mixture. Once the chops are well cooked, remove the skillet from heat and add the cream mixture, stirring gently. Add lemon juice to taste.

5. Preparing the couscous:
In a separate skillet, toast the couscous in oil until nicely browned. Then, add double the amount of water compared to couscous (400 ml) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the water is absorbed.

6. Serving:
Serve the pork chop a la grec with the creamy sauce on top, alongside the aromatic couscous. You can add a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers as a side. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the chops are at room temperature before cooking for even browning.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- For a more intense flavor, add some herbs like thyme or oregano to the mushroom sauce.
- If you don’t have meat broth, you can use water or vegetable broth, but the flavor will be less complex.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can replace the pork chop with chicken breast or beef, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet? You can replace the pork chop with large portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.
- How much sauce should I make? You can adjust the amount of sour cream and broth to achieve the desired sauce consistency, whether creamier or thinner.

This recipe for pork chop a la grec with mushrooms and couscous will not only delight your taste buds, but it is also an excellent way to bring family and friends together for a flavorful meal. Enjoy!