One-Pan Pork Chop Dinner with Fennel and Apple

This delightful one-pan pork chop dinner, featuring succulent pork chops with aromatic fennel and sweet apple, is designed for those who seek a substantial and flavourful meal without any fuss or complex steps. Everything comes together harmoniously in a single pan, ensuring efficient preparation and a beautifully balanced flavour profile. It’s a clever way to bring a complete dinner to the table from start to finish in just 30 minutes, without sacrificing on taste or quality. Perfect for a weeknight family meal or a quick solo indulgence.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 boneless pork chops (approx. 0.8 inch/2cm thick)
• 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 apple (such as Fuji or Gala), cored and sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 fl oz (60ml) vegetable or chicken stock
• Fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

Method

1. Pat the pork chops thoroughly dry with kitchen paper, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan (preferably cast iron) over a medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and slightly shimmering, place the pork chops in the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onion and fennel, cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
4. Add the apple slices and rosemary (if using) to the pan, cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until the apples are slightly tender and lightly caramelised.
5. Pour the stock into the pan, scraping the bottom to release any delicious browned bits. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the butter, and stir until it melts, creating a light sauce.
6. Serve the pork chops immediately, drizzled generously with the fennel and apple mixture.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the pork chops hot, accompanied by the fennel and apple side. This dish pairs wonderfully with light mashed potatoes or fluffy Basmati rice. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or stock to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating dishes like this into your weekly routine allows you to enjoy tasty, well-balanced meals, even on the busiest evenings. The simplicity of preparation and the richness of the flavours make this recipe an excellent choice for when time is precious but the desire for good home cooking remains strong.