Pork chops, recipes and fun facts about the most versatile ingredient there is

Pork chops are probably one of the most common ingredients in Italian cuisines. Made from the rack cut into slices, they are suitable for any type of preparation, from the simplest to the most complex, which is why they are also ideal for novice chefs who want to offer a healthy and tasty dish but not overly complex. So let's see all the tricks to make the most of chops and some simple and tasty recipes. But first of all, let's discover our main ingredient, answering some of the most Hamletic doubts.

Are pork chops fat or lean? White or red meat?

Let's start by getting to know our protagonists a little better, pork chops, one of the most requested cuts in Italy, and also the one about which there are the most doubts. First of all, chops, made from pork, are nothing more than a slice of the rack, an anatomical part of the animal placed in the center of the loin. So these are loin chops with a bit of bone. Contrary to popular belief, pork chops are white and fairly lean meat. They can be prepared in a variety of ways and in the kitchen they are really versatile, ideal for a quick and tasty meal. The only precaution to have when cooking chops is not to dry the meat, which could otherwise be too dry and even difficult to chew.

The easiest preparation is certainly the grilled one, which is really fast. To prevent the meat from drying out too much, you can do the toothpick test. After about 4-5 minutes on each side, for a 2-3 cm thick chop, prick the meat with a skewer and take a look at the liquid that comes out, which should be transparent, without pink traces. If the meat is still slightly raw then let it cook for another minute, but without letting it dry out.
In any case, the chops are tasty even breaded, in sauce or in a pan. Let's see some recipes for a healthy and no-obligation second course based on pork chops

Pork chops breaded with Parmesan cheese, a very

Pork chops breaded with Parmesan cheese are a real treat, the perfect dish for those who love tasty mixes with character.
The recipe, for four people, includes:

• 600 g of pork chops
• 40g of 00 flour
• 100g of Breadcrumbs
• 80g of freshly grated Parmesan
• 100ml of whole milk
• 3 fresh eggs
• 1 organic lemon
• 2 sprigs of Thyme
• Sunflower oil

The recipe is very simple. Place the pork chops between two sheets of baking paper and beat them lightly with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin, so as to thin them out. If you feel uncomfortable, remove the bone as well.
Separately, flavor the milk with thyme, heating it slightly. Once lukewarm, immerse the slices and leave to marinate for about half an hour, stirring occasionally.
Separately, prepare three bowls. In one, add the flour, in the second, beat the eggs without salting them and in the third, mix Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
At this point, the meat will be ready. Drain a pork chop and soak it in eggs, then in flour, again in eggs and finally in the mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese, then place the slice on parchment paper and let it rest, then proceed with the other slices.
In a pan, pour plenty of oil and heat it well. If you dip a toothpick and you see bubbles forming then the oil will be hot enough to start.
Start frying the chops and cook about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Drain and place on absorbent paper to remove excess oil, then cook the other slices as well.
At this point, serve the chops accompanied with salad, for a lighter version, or with fried potatoes and homemade mayonnaise. You'll see how good it is!

Pork chops with apples, a refined second course

Pork chops with apples are a fairly common recipe in Northern Italy. Apples and pork chops are a perfect and elegant combo, good and refined, which is perfect for a last-minute dinner with guests at home. In this case, the recipe is a bit more complex, but you'll see how delicious it is! For four people you will need:
- 4 pork chops
- 200g of cooking cream
- 2 organic apples
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 spoons of EVO oil
- 2 spoons of Brandy
- ½ lemon

To begin with, lightly beat the meat. Wash the apples, then remove the core and, with the digger, make some balls. If you don't have the right equipment you can make simple slices. Put the apple in a bowl and soak it with lemon juice, so as not to blacken it.
On the fire, heat a large pan with oil and butter over low heat. So, after a couple of minutes, add the pork chops and let them brown on both sides. Pour the apples into the pan too, then cook with a lid on low heat for ten minutes. At this point, incorporate the brandy and set it on fire. Add the cream and mix everything, without reaching the boil.
Serve the chops with the sauce and fruit, accompanied with mashed potatoes or milk mushrooms

What to drink with pork chops?

chops, like pork in general, are tasty and lively, rustic. If you love wine, then you need something suitable, especially if you decide to eat chops simply grilled with some Mediterranean herbs. In the case of pork chops, we have bone-in, white and low-fat meat: the ideal is therefore a light red wine, perhaps a Cabernet or a Merlot. Raboso are also an excellent choice, very fruity, perfect especially if you have decided to grill your chops

Is it possible to freeze pork chops?

Did you buy some pork chops but don't feel like eating them? No problem, it is possible to freeze them and you can keep them in the freezer for up to four months. When you want to enjoy your chops, just take them out of the freezer and let them defrost naturally for a few hours in the fridge, remembering that the meat, once thawed, cannot be refrozen a second time to avoid the risks of food poisoning.

Are you looking for pork chops worth ten and praise? We'll help you!

Pork chops are a real passe-partout, a sophisticated and tasty dinner saver. For this reason, it's an ingredient that just can't be missing! If you're looking for the perfect pork chops to have on hand, check out our portal. You'll find not only the highest quality meat, but also all the best ingredients for Michelin Star recipes!

S&M