It's Fall and that means apples galore at my house. We live about 40 minutes from several apple orchards making apple picking a fun afternoon activity with our kids. But what if you want apples for dinner and not just for a snack or dessert?
This is one of my favorite recipes for creating a simple one pan dinner that embodies savory and sweet with a crunch!
I have a slight obsession with the honey crisp apple. It's one of the more expensive apples but once you have a bite you'll know why. This recipe calls for a honey crisp apple because it's my favorite, do not limit yourself. I would recommend staying away from granny smith or other tart varieties. Stick with gala, golden delicious, red delicious and of course the honey crisp for the proper flavor balance.
I personally find pork to be dry (probably because I cook it to death as I'm terrified of undercooked meat). If you're like me you'll love how this apple pecan recipe takes away even the driest pork and makes it melt in your mouth good.
And finally, when buying the pecans, please know you can buy small bags of nuts in the baking aisle of your grocery store. One tiny bag of chopped pecans is all you need for this recipe.
Ingredients
4 boneless pork loin chops (about 1 inch thick)
Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons butter (I use vegan butter) 1 medium honey crisp apple, thinly sliced
1⁄4 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 4 tablespoons of maple syrup
Instructions
Trim fat from chops. Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat until it sizzles. Add apple; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Push apple to sides of skillet. Add chops; cook for 4 minutes. Turn chops, moving apple aside as needed.
Spoon apple slices over chops. Sprinkle with pecans and brown sugar.
Cook, covered, for 2 to 4 minutes more or until the middle of the meat is 145 F.
Serve chops with apple slices and accumulated cooking juices.