Pork Chops With Barley
Juicy pork chops simmered with tangy sauerkraut, barley, and aromatic spices create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (16 oz.) cans sauerkraut, drained
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barley (optional) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black or lemon pepper ⓘ
- 6 pork chops (about 3/4-inch thick) ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix sauerkraut, water, onions, barley, brown sugar, bouillon, caraway seed, and pepper in a 13 1/2 x 9 1/2-inch pan.
- Season pork chops with herbs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Trim chops and brown them in a skillet.
- Arrange browned chops on the sauerkraut mixture in the pan.
- Mix catsup and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce and spread over the chops.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of barley, you can substitute it with quinoa or rice. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter dish; add more brown sugar if desired. Don't skip the caraway seeds, as they complement the sauerkraut beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. A crusty bread also pairs well to soak up the tangy sauerkraut sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a noodle dish as a side, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and sauerkraut mixture in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops With Barley contains roughly 545 calories, with 32g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% 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 fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sauerkraut, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as it may require longer to soften. Fresh sauerkraut can add a crunchier texture and a fresher taste to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
What can I serve with these pork chops?
These pork chops pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw. You can also try serving them with potato pancakes, which complement the sauerkraut nicely. For a lighter option, a simple green salad works well too.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauerkraut mixture. Additionally, you could season the pork chops with a spicy rub or marinade to infuse them with more flavor.
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).