Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

Braised Pork Chops

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When people hear "braised," they usually think it’s going to take forever to cook. Not this time! This recipe is simple, fast and tasty; a triple threat, if you will.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 thick-cut (about an inch), bone-in, pork chops
Salt and pepper
4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, each cut into 6 wedges
1 large red onion, peeled, root end trimmed but left intact, halved through the root, then each half cut into 6 wedges through the root (to help hold them together)
2 Gala, Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apples, cored and cut into 8 wedges
5 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup cloudy apple cider (eyeball it)
2 cups chicken stock (eyeball it)
3 tablespoons real maple syrup or brown sugar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Crusty bread, to serve alongside for mopping up sauce

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Preparation

Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. While the oil is heating up, season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Add the chops to the pot and brown on all sides. Remove the chops and reserve, loosely covered with foil.

Add the potatoes to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Add the onions to the pan and cook until golden brown, 4-5 minutes.

Add the apples, thyme sprigs, apple cider, chicken stock and maple syrup to the pot, and bring up to a bubble.

Nestle the browned pork chops back into the pot, tucking them in amongst the onions and potatoes. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer until the chops are cooked through and potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.

Fish out the thyme stems and discard. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the pot and give everything a quick stir.

Serve the pork chops topped with the veggies and pan sauce, with plenty of crusty bread and a salad alongside.