Italian Pork Chops

Pork chops are a favorite at our house, which means we eat them quite often. We buy a big pork loin at Costco and then slice up our own thick pork chops, just how we like them. We do the same thing for steaks too. We like doing this because we can cut them how we like them and it is also much cheaper to purchase a big slab of meat, cut it how we like, and freeze the rest for when we want it later.

Because we eat a lot of pork chops, I am always looking for new and tasty ways to prepare them. This time, I made them Italian style.

Italian Pork Chops

1 1/2 -2 lbs pork chops

1/2 onion, diced

1 zucchini, sliced

1-2 cups sliced mushrooms

1-2 medium-large tomatoes, chopped

1 TBSP garlic

1-2 tsp oregano

1-2 tsp basil

1 tsp marjoram and/or thyme

salt & pepper to taste

red pepper flakes to taste, optional

1-2 bay leaves

salt & pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

2 TBSP balsamic vinegar

1 TBSP cornstarch

1 TBSP water

olive oil

lemon olive oil, optional

Season the pork chops with salt, pepper and the balsamic vinegar for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Cut all the vegetables.

Get a large skillet very hot, add the olive oil and carefully place the pork chops in to cook. Cook for about 3 minutes per side and brown them. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the onions to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they have softened and are translucent.

Add the rest of the vegetables, mix well, then add the chicken broth, seasonings and re-add the pork chops. Bring to a boil, then reduce cover and reduce the heat to a simmer, and continue to cook for about 30 minutes. Mix the cornstarch and water together and add to the pan to thicken up the sauce.

Add a little lemon olive oil on top right before serving to really make all the flavors come to life.

You can serve it was it, or over pasta or rice. I served it over pasta, with warmed rosemary focaccia and a chilled chardonnay on the side. Top with mozzarella or Parmigiano cheese if you like. It was so tender and juicy and full of flavor. !Buon Appetito!

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.