Pumpkin Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Additional Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
751 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pumpkin Pork Chops
Description
This recipe begins by making a dry rub from garlic, rosemary, thyme, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The pork chops are rubbed with this mixture and refrigerated for several hours to absorb the flavors, then brought to room temperature prior to grilling for an even cook and browning.
Concurrently, peeled and cubed pumpkin and apples are tossed with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and zest, then roasted in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes, turning periodically to create caramelization and tender bites.
The pork chops are grilled in a oiled grill pan over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. The maple mustard dressing is prepared with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to add a bright, slightly sweet and tangy finish to the meal.
Combined, these components offer a fall-inspired dish with sweet and savory notes, fresh herb aroma, and a mix of textures from the tender pork chops and soft roasted fruit and vegetable. The method ensures infused flavor and careful cooking for balanced results.
Ingredients
For the pork:
- 4 pork chops about 1 1/2 thick, bone-in
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary finely chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon thyme finely chopped, fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Pumpkin and apples:
- 1 2-3 pound pumpkin peeled and cubed into one-inch pieces - butternut squash also works
- 2 apple peeled, cored, and cubed into one-inch pieces - select hard apples, not tender, medium
- 1 teaspoon rosemary finely chopped, fresh
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Maple mustard dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rosemary finely chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon thyme finely chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon sage finely chopped, fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
Pork chops:
- Pat dry the pork chops on both sides. A
- Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl to make a dry rub.
- Rub the mixture onto the pork chops, place them in a zipped lock bag, and refrigerate for at least a few hours and up to 24 hours.
- Let the pork chops come to room temperature before grilling. While they are coming to room temperature, begin the pumpkin and apple side dish.
Pumpkin and apples:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and set it aside.
- Add the diced pumpkin and apples, drizzle with the olive oil, and add the remaining ingredients.
- Toss to coat evenly and spread the mixture in an even layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
- While the pumpkin and apples cook, prep the pork chops.
- When ready to grill, place a grill pan over medium-high heat and oil it.
- Add the pork chops to the grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and the pork reaches 135 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer the pork chops on a platter, cover with foil paper, and let rest for 10 minutes.
Maple mustard dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients until all combined.
Serve:
- Add the roasted pumpkin and apples to a serving plate, add the meat, and drizzle the dressing on top.
- Add some fresh thyme or rosemary and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 751 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 751kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 30g | 150% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 1001mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 1900mg | 40% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 28g | 56% |
| Vitamin A | 29217IU | 584% |
| Vitamin C | 41mg | 46% |
| Calcium | 138mg | 14% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.