One Pound Pork Chops
Savory pork chops are paired with a flavorful eggplant and olive sauce, offering a hearty, tangy dish perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 rib pork chops (at least 1-inch thick) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chopped eggplant ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Heinz ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon drained capers ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Heinz vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in a skillet with oil and remove them from the pan.
- Drain the skillet, reserving 2 teaspoons of drippings.
- Sauté chopped eggplant, onion, celery, and garlic powder in the skillet.
- Stir in ketchup, water, sliced olives, capers, vinegar, salt, oregano, basil, and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and cook until they are done, turning once.
- Serve the pork chops with the eggplant and olive sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use thick-cut pork chops for even cooking. If you don't have eggplant, zucchini or mushrooms can be good substitutes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and consider using fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. For added depth, you can incorporate a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the sauce mixture. This dish is a great way to explore American recipes with a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make great sides. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with the Layer Lime Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Pound Pork Chops contains roughly 1152 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1668mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of rib chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook faster than rib chops. Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure they remain juicy and tender.
What can I serve with these pork chops?
These pork chops pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a heartier option, try serving with baked macaroni and cheese or the Tender Meatballs In Mushroom Gravy for a comforting meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pork chops ahead of time. Just reheat the sauce and pork together before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Just remember to store the components separately to maintain freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).