Smothered Porkchops

One of my favorite pork chop recipes. It's simple and delicious!


Smothered Porkchops
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Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:
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3 ounces Bacon, cut 1/4" pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken stock or broth
Vegetable oil
4 each bone-in pork center rib chop, 1/2" to 3/4" thick
ground pepper
2 medium yellow onion, halved pole to pole and sliced thin
salt
2 tablespoons water
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
2 each bay leaf
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

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1. Fry bacon in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate,leaving fat in saucepan (you should have 2 tablespoon bacon fat, if not, supplement with vegetable oil). Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk flour into fat until smooth. Cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is light brown, about the color of peanut butter, about 5 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock/broth in slow, steady stream; increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil, stirring occasionally, cover and set aside off heat.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until smoking, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, dry pork chops with paper towels and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Brown chops in single layer until deep golden brown on first side, about 3 minutes. Flip chops and cook until browned on second side, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer chops to large plate and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil, onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and water to now empty skillet. Using wooden spoon, scrape browned bits on pan bottom and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and browned around edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Return chops to skillet in single layer, covering chops with onions. Pour in warm sauce and any juices collected from pork; add bay leaves. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pork is tender and paring knife inserted into chops meets very little resistance, about 30 minutes.

4. Transfer chops to warmed serving platter and tent with foil. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer sauce rapidly, stirring frequently, until thickened into gravy-like consistency, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leave, stir in parsley, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Cover chops with sauce, sprinkle with reserved bacon, and serve immediately.