Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic butter sauce adds richness to the pork, making it a delicious main course.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh, if available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for flavor
Instructions:
For the Pork Chops:
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken broth (or wine) to the skillet, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Finish the Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the pork chops through and coat them in the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For extra flavor, you can add a bit of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a little more milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving:
Serve the buttery garlic pork chops alongside the smooth mashed potatoes, spooning the extra garlic butter sauce from the skillet over both the pork chops and the potatoes for extra flavor.
This meal is simple, satisfying, and packed with rich, savory flavors that are sure to please any crowd! Enjoy!