Speedy Smothered Pork Chops in Onion Gravy

Designed for busy evenings, this recipe brings comfort to the table without complexity. Tender pork chops are quickly seared, then simmered in a luscious onion gravy, creating a flavourful and satisfying meal. Everything comes together in about half an hour, making it an excellent choice for a reliable weeknight dinner. The key to this dish is developing a good fond in the pan, which forms the base of the rich gravy.

Quick Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Serves: 2
• Dish: Main Course

Ingredients

• 2 bone-in pork chops (approx. 2cm thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large brown onion, thinly sliced into rouelles
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 300ml hot chicken stock
• 50ml double cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make It

1. Pat the pork chops dry with kitchen paper and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion to the same pan, reducing the heat to medium. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until softened and translucent.
4. Sprinkle the plain flour over the softened onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the hot chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, then stir in the double cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Return the seared pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Notes

• **Quick Sear**: Achieving a good sear on the pork chops in step 2 is crucial for flavour; don’t overcrowd the pan.
• **Gravy Smoothness**: Whisk the stock into the flour and onion mixture gradually to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky gravy.
• **Parallel Prep**: While the pork chops are searing, you can thinly slice your onion to save time.

Serving & Storage

These smothered pork chops are delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock or water if the gravy has thickened too much.

Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

One last thing

Having a dependable recipe like this means you can enjoy a satisfying, home-cooked meal even on your busiest days. It’s a method that consistently delivers, offering comfort and flavour without demanding excessive time or effort.

Knowing you can rely on a few core techniques, such as building flavour directly in the pan, simplifies the cooking process. This approach helps to establish a consistent routine for delicious weekday dinners.

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