Spanish Pork Chops With Rice
Spanish Pork Chops With Rice features tender pork chops simmered in flavorful tomato juice with rice and vegetables, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops and chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Add chopped celery, chopped green pepper, rice, salt, pepper, and tomato juice to the skillet.
- Simmer, covered, for about 1 hour until the rice is cooked and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mix of garlic, cumin, and olive oil before cooking. If you don’t have tomato juice, substitute with crushed tomatoes and add extra broth. Adjust cooking time based on the type of rice used; long-grain may require slightly less time than medium grain. This dish pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Sauerkraut for a delightful balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Pork Chops with Rice alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of Cuban Style Black Beans can enhance the dish's flavors and provide a hearty complement. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Pork Chops With Rice contains roughly 336 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2485mg per serving (108% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 45-50 minutes to cook, so you may need to adjust the amount of tomato juice accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What can I substitute for pork chops?
If you prefer a different protein, boneless chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as chicken generally cooks faster than pork chops. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the pork with firm tofu or tempeh, sautéing them until golden before adding the vegetables and rice. Use vegetable broth in place of tomato juice for a rich flavor. This alternative keeps the essence of the dish while making it entirely plant-based.
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).