Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops with Red Onion Relish and Green Apple Risotto

Wow.  This recipe was just a random thought that bubbled in my mind and when I made it, it was met with such enthusiasm by picky-boyfriend, I am excited to post it. 

The big irony here is that I’d just publicized my disdain for hot fruit and cooked fruit items, but here I am, consistently posting recipes that employ fruit and/or involve main dishes that are sweet, not savory (I like savory things).  Ah well. 

Some pork chops, brought to room temperature, seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then seared in a hot pan on both sides; remove and place in a baking pan.  Deglaze pan with apple cider, red onions, a tab of butter… let boil up a bit, then pour all over the pork chops.  Throw the pan in the oven and let bake for about 20 minutes at, what- 350 or so. 

While that’s going on, make risotto the way you normally would, except instead of wine, I used apple cider for that step, and then added some diced red bell peppers and diced green apple towards the end.  I also didn’t add much cheese to mix around with it- you can absolutely add some citrus (lime or lemon juice) to brighten up the dish, but I thought, heck, what better than apple and cheese, right?  So I grated some Parmagiano-Reggiano on top (love the way it spills over the side in these pictures!) and ate it that way.  I scooped up the red onion “relish” of sorts out of the baking pan and served it on top of the pork chops.

My boyfriend was absolutely dying with how yummy it was, despite his initial “Sweet dinner?  That’s weird!” feelings.  He scarfed down the dish and insists that I mention I also popped open a can of creamed corn to serve alongside his pork chops (it’s his favorite… vegetable), to complete the delicious party in his mouth. 

Happy eating!  It’s too easy to not enjoy!!! (I also used the same pot that I seared the pork in, to make the risotto, making this a one pot meal!)