Pork and cabbage are a classic combination, as are pork and apples. Put the three together, and you get something really amazing. We had apples and cabbage to use up from our CSA box and plenty of pork chops in the freezer so when I saw this recipe online I was sold.
The pork was so tender since it was cooked in the steam for the last 15 minutes and the seasonings added a lot to both the pork and the vegetables. I loved the vegetables and enjoyed the leftovers for several days.
With plenty of spices and even a beer to add flavor this one-dish meal you be wishing you had doubled the recipe!
Pork Chops, Cabbage, and Apples
3 teaspoons paprika, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1 tsp. dried thyme, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1 tsp. dried sage, divided
6 (1/2-inch-thick) pork loin chops
2 bacon slices
1 head cabbage (about 2 lb.), coarsely chopped
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (12-oz.) bottle lager beer*
Combine 2 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, and 1 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried sage; rub evenly over pork chops.
2. Cook bacon slices in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon.
3. Cook pork in hot drippings 3 minutes on each side or until browned and done; remove pork from pan, and keep warm.
4. Add cabbage, onions, and apple to pan. Cover and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until cabbage begins to wilt. Add tomato paste, beer, bacon, remaining 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and 1 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried sage, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender and liquid is slightly thickened. Add pork, and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
*1 1/2 cups apple cider may be substituted.
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