pork chops with cheese

2015-02-25 a.o.

I find pork chops a bit difficult. It is so easy to overcook them. I like them best when they’re still quite juicy inside, similar to steak.

But pork chops are different from beef steak. Like steak, you'll want to sear the pork chop on both sides. Unlike steak, you'll want pork steak fully cooked, but not dry.

That means you will treat all pork chops but the very thin ones like thick steaks. To avoid cooking the inside of the pork chop dry, lower the heat and simmer for 10-30 minutes depending on thickness.

Because I have to simmer low anyway, not surprisingly my  pork chops usually end as stews. After the searing, I add fruits, vegetables and possibly some water to make it a 1-skillet meal.

 

A. Pork chops with cheese, strawberry sauce

2015-02-25

Use grated or chopped Mozzarella, Swiss, asadero, Chihuahua, cheddar etc. or a mix of them.

 

Pic1: onions, green garden beans, mushrooms, cheese
Pic2: the meal with strawberry sauce

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for 2 servings:

  • 2 nice pork steaks
  • 8-oz. stir-fry vegetables
  • straw mushrooms
  • 2 cups green beans
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 lb. of strawberries
  • 3 potatoes
  •  ½ cup grated cheese (quesadilla mix)

Directions

  • Boil the potatoes, 8-12 min, depending on your altitude.
  • Dice the onion, brown in some olive oil.
  • Add the mushrooms and beans, stew 5-10 min.

Directions, continued

  • Sear the pork steak on both sides in a hot frying pan. This adds color and a savory flavor.
  • Add the vegetables. If necessary, add some liquid. You can use some red wine instead of water.
  • Cover the pan. Simmer the steak with veggies over medium heat for 10-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork chops.
  • Sprinkle the cheese on top of the steak and vegetables.
  • Cover the pan, and simmer a few more minutes to  allow the cheese to melt. Alternatively, broil for an attractive brown cheese crust.
  • Meanwhile, clean the strawberries. Heat them in a small pan until they just begin falling apart. Don't cook them to mush. If very sour, add some sugar, but do not make the sauce overly sweet.
  • Serve the strawberry sauce over the potatoes. That makes for a nice color and flavor contrast with the other ingredients.
  • Enjoy!

B. pork chops with Goat Cheese

 

Pic3: goat cheese
Pic4: corn, bell peppers, peas & carrots, garden beans, goat cheese
Pic5: served