Bless Her Heart

Southern people could probably drink gravy out of a Styrofoam cup, as if were a milkshake.

Smothered Pork Chops, much like the Chicken Fried Steaks that we’ve already talked about, are pan-fried pork chops smothered in a delicious onion gravy or brown gravy…pure comfort food at its finest.

Smothered pork chops are also easy to prepare and come together quickly.

To make smothered pork chops, first season hearty thick-cut pork chops and then sear them in a cast iron skillet, Then use the crispy browned bits of flavor left over from cooking the pork chops to create a rich onion gravy.

• 4 large center-cut pork loin chops, cut 1” (about 3 pounds)
• 2tsp salt.
• 1tsp pepper
• 1tsp garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3Tbsp flour
• 4Tbsp butter
• 2Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 onion, halved and sliced about ½” thick
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2C chicken broth
• ¼C heavy cream or buttermilk

Season: Pat the pork chops dry on both sides with a paper towel. Season the chops, salt, pepper, garlic powder and any other seasonings that you would like. Rub the spices into the chops. Set them aside.

Sear: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops. Brown 5min per side. Transfer to a plate. Discard excess grease from the pan.

Sauté: Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Cook five minutes.

Make the roux: Add 1Tbsp oil to the skillet. Then sprinkle 2Tbsp flour over the veggies. Stir well. Cook for one minute.

Make the gravy: Add the buttermilk, broth and any juices that have accumulated on the plate containing pork chops into the sauce. Stir to dissolve any browned bits of food remaining in the bottom of the skillet.

Bring sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cook 20 minutes, until onions begin to break down and sauce is thickened.

Add the pork chops: Return the chops to the pan. Spoon the gravy over them. Cover the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes, until their internal temperature is between 145°F and 165°F. Remove from heat. Let the dish cool for five minutes.

To store: Refrigerate leftovers up to three days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Storing: Store the smothered pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 days.

Serve the chops: Place the pork chops over a bed of mashed potatoes and smother them in the onion gravy. Serve the pork chops smothered in the gravy.