Stuffed Pork Chops

Recipe by: James Beard | from James Beard's American Cookery

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by Joseph De Leo

I think this is a purely American invention, for I have never been offered a stuffed pork chop in any other country. It is a hearty, savory dish for a cool night. The chops—either loin or rib—must be very thick, with a pocket cut in the side toward the bone. If you use loin chops, which have a bone dividing the meat, the bit of tenderloin should not be stuffed but will serve as a small garniture.

INGREDIENTS

4 very thick pork chops cut from the loin or rib, with a pocket
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons oil
Boiling water
1 cup brown sauce or gravy (or 3 tablespoons flour and 1 cup broth)
Chopped parsley

For the stuffing:

1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 rib celery, finely cut
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon thyme or rosemary
3 or 4 mushroom caps, finely chopped
1¼ cups dry breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Make the stuffing first. Sauté the onion in the butter, add the celery, garlic, thyme or rosemary, and mushrooms. Sauté gently 3 or 4 minutes, then add the breadcrumbs, parsley, and seasonings. Blend thoroughly. The mixture should be fairly dry. Fill the cavities in the chops. Secure the opening with small skewers or toothpicks.

Heat the butter and oil in a heavy skillet and brown the chops well on both sides. Add just enough boiling water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover the skillet tightly. Either simmer atop the stove 35 to 45 minutes or place in a 350-degree oven for the same length of time. The chops should be turned once during the cooking period. They should be tender but not dry. When they are done, transfer to a hot platter and spoon off any excess fat from the juices in the pan. Add brown sauce or gravy to the pan and heat thoroughly. Or add 3 tablespoons of flour, blend well with the pan juices, and let it cook down for several minutes. Then add 1 cup broth or bouillon and stir over medium high heat till the mixture thickens. Correct the seasoning and spoon over the chops. Sautéed apple rings and buttered leaf spinach make good companions.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving

This recipe serves 4.

Calories 753 kcal

Calcium 11 % daily value

Vitamin C 18 % daily value

Vitamin A 7 % daily value

Potassium 921 mg

Magnesium 74 mg

Protein 46 g

Sugar 4 g

Fiber 3 g