Slow-cooked perfection: Crock pot pork chops that melt in your mouth
Pork chops may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of healthy meals. But, when cooked properly and with the right ingredients, pork chops can become a flavorful and nutritious component of your diet. Slow-cooking pork chops in a crock pot is not only easy but also ensures that they are tender and succulent. In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of pork chops and how to prepare mouth-watering crock pot pork chops that will melt in your mouth.
Health Benefits of Pork Chops
Pork chops are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in our body. A three-ounce serving of pork chops contains approximately 21 grams of protein. In addition to protein, pork chops also provide important nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Iron is critical for oxygen transport in our body, zinc plays a role in immune function and wound healing, and vitamin B12 is important for healthy nerve cells and DNA replication.
Pork chops, like all meats, are also a good source of fat. However, not all fat is bad. Pork chops contain both saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are known to contribute to heart disease, but unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated are considered healthy. In fact, pork chops contain a high amount of monounsaturated fat which has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the pork chops on both sides.
2. Place the browned pork chops in a crock pot.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Pour the tomato mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot.
6. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
7. Serve the pork chops with the tomato sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
A: Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used instead of boneless pork chops. However, boneless pork chops are quicker to cook and easier to eat.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes can be added to the crock pot along with the pork chops. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the tomato sauce mixture.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned. Simply chop the tomatoes and use them in place of the canned tomatoes. However, canned tomatoes provide a consistent flavor and texture that may be difficult to achieve with fresh tomatoes.
Q: Can I substitute the herbs used in the recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to substitute the herbs used in the recipe with your favorite herbs or spices. Fresh herbs can also be used in place of dried herbs for a fresher taste.
In conclusion, crock pot pork chops are a delicious and healthy meal that can be easily prepared with just a few ingredients. Pork chops are a good source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and healthy monounsaturated fat. Slow-cooking pork chops in a crock pot ensures that they are tender and succulent. With the recipe provided in this article, you can easily prepare mouth-watering pork chops that will melt in your mouth.
