Cider-Braised Pork Chops With Apples

In ‘Williams-Sonoma: Essentials of Healthful Cooking’

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sweet paprika
•  kosher salt
•  fresh ground pepper
• 4  thin boneless  center-cut pork loin chops, about 1 lb., trimmed of all visible fat
• 4  teaspoons canola oil
• 1  yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1⁄3 cup sweet apple cider
• 2  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1  fuji apple, halved, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges
• 1  cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup 2% evaporated milk

Directions

1. In a small bowl, stir together the oregano, five-spice powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Coat the pork chops evenly on both sides with the spice mixture.
3. Set the meat on a plate for 10 minutes.
4. In a large, deep, nonstick frying pan over med-high heat, warm 2 teaspoons of the canola oil.
5. Add the onion and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the onion to a plate.
7. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan and return it to med-high heat.
8. Add the pork chops and sear until lightly browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes.
9. Turn and brown the meat on the other side, 3-4 minutes.
10. Transfer the meat to the plate holding the onion.
11. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the cider and vinegar.
12. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up all the browned bits from the pan bottom.
13. Return the meat and onion to the pan and place the apple wedges on top of the meat.
14. Pour in the broth, cover, and simmer until the chops are opaque throughout, about 10 minutes, reducing the heat if the liquid begins to boil.
15. Transfer the chops, apple wedges, and onion to a warmed platter.
16. Pour the milk into the pan, increase heat to high and boil until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 5 minutes.
17. Pour the sauce over the chops and serve at once.