Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Gravy:

• 2 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the chops)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Additional seasonings: thyme, rosemary, or your choice (optional)

For the Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops:

• Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. (They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point.)
• Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

• In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

1. Make the Gravy:

• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• If using, add the heavy cream or milk and Worcestershire sauce. Season with additional salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

1. Add the Potatoes:

• Add the diced potatoes to the gravy, stirring to combine. Place the pork chops on top of the potatoes.

1. Simmer:

• Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Check occasionally and add a bit more broth if the gravy gets too thick.

1. Serve:

• Once done, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the smothered pork chops with the potatoes and gravy spooned over the top. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and olive oil for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and variety.
• Serve with a side of bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious gravy!

Enjoy your comforting meal of smothered pork chops with potatoes in gravy!