Cook Ahead Pork Chops Food

MAKE-AHEAD MEDITERRANEAN PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• For marinade, in an extra-large bowl whisk together first eight ingredients (through black pepper). Add chops, spooning marinade over chops to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.
• In a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet cook chops, half at a time, over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until a thermometer registers 145°F, turning once. Remove from skillet; cover and keep warm.
• Add orzo to same skillet. Cook and stir 1 minute, scraping up crusty browned bits. Slowly add broth, scraping up any remaining bits. Stir in bell peppers and olives. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 7 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes more or until orzo is nearly tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir in tomatoes.
• Transfer half of the orzo mixture to an airtight container. Top with four of the chops; cool slightly. Store in freezer up to 2 months.
• Serve remaining orzo mixture topped with chops and 1/2 cup feta cheese. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

COOK-AHEAD PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Place pork chops in an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Pour chicken broth over chops. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 160°. Cool. , Wrap in heavy-duty foil or place in freezer bags; freeze for up to 4 months.

SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Sprinkle the pork chops all over with salt and the Cajun seasoning. Pour the flour into a shallow bowl. Dredge the chops in the flour, turning to coat, and tap off any excess. Reserve the remaining flour. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chops; cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add the butter, onion, thyme and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved flour to the skillet and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil and cook until reduced by one-third, about 2 minutes. Add the buttermilk and return the chops to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the sauce is thickened and the chops are just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve with biscuits.

ROASTED PORK CHOPS WITH POLENTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a large, oven safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat; season pork chops with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side; remove from skillet and set aside.
• Add the remaining tablespoon oil to the skillet, add tomatoes, garlic; season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes; add wine and simmer until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Return pork chops to skillet and nestle into the tomatoes; cook in the oven until the chops are cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan.
• Whisk in polenta and cook, while whisking, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Whisk in the cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

COOK-AHEAD PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Place pork chops in an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Pour chicken broth over chops. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes or until meat juices run clear. Cool. Wrap in heavy-duty foil or place in freezer bags; freeze for up to 4 months.