Description
Experience the comforting and mouthwatering flavors of the South, with our Southern Smothered Pork Chops. These juicy pork chops, with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder and a subtle touch of cayenne are expertly seared to a golden perfection. They then luxuriate in a velvety gravy infused with caramelized onions, aromatic thyme and a hint of buttermilk or cream. Each bite offers a medley of flavors that will transport you to memories of cooked comfort foods and cherished family gatherings. This recipe embodies the heart and rich culinary heritage of Southern cuisine inviting you to create your tales filled with love and delectable moments, around the dining table.
Ingredients
PORK CHOPS:
1 pound (500g) bone-in pork chops, about 3/4–1 inch thick.
1/2 tbsp. onion powder
1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
FOR GRAVY:
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Pinch of salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh chopped thyme
1/2 c chicken broth, divided
3/4 c buttermilk or heavy cream
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Start by patting the bone in pork chops with paper towels to remove any moisture. Combine 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne, along with 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt. Rub the mixture onto the chops. Sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper and drizzle them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Coat each chop in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour shaking off any extra. Keep the remaining flour aside.
In a skillet over medium heat heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s hot cook the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn brown. Set aside the cooked chops.
In the skillet melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them for around 10 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. If the pan looks dry add a splash from the 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
Add minced garlic. Chopped thyme to the skillet cooking for about half a minute until they released their fragrance.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of reserved flour, onto the onions. Mix well. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flour to dissolve.
Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pan making sure to scrape up all the bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer. Thicken, for 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup of buttermilk or cream allowing the gravy to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Carefully place the cooked pork chops back into the pan generously coating them with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce until fully cooked, which should take around 5 minutes or until they’re done according to your preference. The sauce will naturally thicken more as it combines with the pork.
Give your dish a taste. Adjust the seasoning, with salt and pepper as necessary. Before serving garnish your Southern Smothered Pork Chops with some chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Sit back. Savor all those comforting flavors that these pork chops bring to your plate.
Notes
To give a gluten-free variation to the well-loved recipe of Southern Smothered Pork Chops make sure all the ingredients, including the seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free. Instead of using all-purpose flour choose a gluten-free flour blend, for coating the pork chops and thickening the gravy. This easy swap will permit everyone to relish the flavors of this dish without compromising their preferences. Keep in mind that gluten-free flour may have slightly different characteristics so pay attention to achieving the desired thickness of the gravy. With this adjustment you can enjoy a comforting version of these mouthwatering pork chops that’s gluten-free.
