Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce: A Mouthwatering Delight
Hear ye, hear ye! Lo and behold, I bring forth to you a most delectable recipe – Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce! Friends, gather around and lend me your ears for the feast that shall follow is nothing short of a culinary delight.
Picture this – juicy, tender pork chops cooked to perfection, bathed in a rich and savory cherry wine sauce. Let the aroma of thyme and mustard fill your senses as you savor each bite. The tangy sweetness of cherries blends seamlessly with the robust flavor of dry red wine to create a symphony of flavors on your taste buds.
But that’s not all! The recipe is versatile enough to allow for substitutions and variations to suit your taste. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! Even a novice cook can whip up this masterpiece without breaking a sweat.
So come hither, my dear friends, let us embark upon this journey of exquisite culinary pleasure that is Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce. For once you taste it, there shall be no turning back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Good people of the culinary world, I present to you a recipe that will revolutionize your taste buds and elevate your cooking game: Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce – a match made in heaven that will leave you yearning for more.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the chops. These boneless pork chops are thick cut, juicy and cooked to perfection. They are seared in olive oil, seasoned with dry mustard, dried thyme and kosher salt plus a dash of pepper for an extra kick of flavor. These chops are full of savory goodness that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
But what really sets this dish apart is the Cherry Wine Sauce. Made with sweet cherries, a cup of dry red wine and a ½ cup of beef broth, this sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s thickened with cornstarch and sweetened with honey to make it creamy and indulgent. The result is a luscious pan sauce that is both tangy and fruity.
The combination of juicy pork chops with the savory yet fruity Cherry Wine Sauce is truly a culinary delight. It’s the perfect combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
This recipe also offers versatility by providing substitutions and variations so that you can tailor it to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand. Plus, it offers tips for perfect results, make-ahead instructions, storing recommendations and even FAQ section to ensure that your experience making this recipe will be as stress-free as possible.
In conclusion, this Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce recipe is sure to be a new favorite among all the foodies out there who want to experience the ultimate explosion of flavors in their mouth. Don’t just take my word for it; go ahead and try this dish for yourself. I guarantee that once you do, it will become a staple in your kitchen that you will come back to time and time again.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed to create this delicious pork chops with cherry wine sauce recipe.
Ingredients 1:
- 4 boneless pork chops, 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredients 2:
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sweet cherries, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
To start this dish, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, season boneless pork chops with dry mustard and dried thyme. Add olive oil to the pan and place the seasoned pork chops in it. Sear each side for about 3 minutes until they’re slightly browned.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Wine Sauce
Next, we’ll make the delicious sauce that will elevate the flavor of our pork chops.
In the same pan where you cooked the pork chops, decrease the heat to medium-low and add cherry wine to deglaze the bottom of the pan. As you stir, scrape off any bits from cooking the pork chops that are stuck on the bottom of the pan – these will add amazing flavor to your sauce.
Once you’ve scraped off all possible bits, turn up the heat to medium-high and add beef broth, honey, and pitted sweet cherries (either fresh or frozen works fine). Simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s slightly reduced.
Step 3: Thicken Cherry Wine Sauce
After simmering, we need to thicken our cherry wine sauce with some cornstarch. Begin by dissolving a tablespoon of cornstarch in a quarter cup of cold water, then pour it slowly into your sauce while whisking constantly.
Continue whisking until your desired consistency is achieved. If your sauce gets too thick or gloopy, you can add more beef broth or wine to loosen it up a bit.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Finally, remove your pork chops from heat and let them rest for up to 5 minutes before plating them with a generous amount of cherry sauce. For added texture and color garnish with chopped fresh thyme leaves. If you feel like getting extra fancy, pair it with some creamy mashed potatoes or some healthy roasted veggies.
Enjoy your Cherry Wine Pork Chops!
Substitutions and Variations
Verily, my lords and ladies, there are many ways to vary this dish, both in the sauce and the meat. Allow me to present some options for substitutions and variations that might delight thy palate:
– For a gluten-free version of this recipe, use a gluten-free beef broth and cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
– If thou doth not fancy pork, this sauce complements grilled chicken splendidly. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and cook them as mentioned in step 4.
– Instead of sweet cherries, you can utilize dried cherries, frozen mixed berries or even cranberries for the sauce. It can provide a tart and pleasant flavor profile that pairs well with pork.
– The wine used in this recipe is a dry red wine such as Pinot Noir but if thee prefer sweeter notes, try substituting it with port wine or honey mead.
– Adding a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or honey mustard to the sauce can provide a lovely depth of flavor.
– For those who like spiced pork dishes, adding 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce can enhance the flavor dimension of the dish.
Remember that thee can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage to customize the recipe for your own tastes. The possibilities art vast!
Serving and Pairing
‘Tis a dish fit for a king, these pork chops with cherry wine sauce. The savory flavors of the pork are delightfully complemented by the sweet and tangy cherry sauce. But what shall we serve with this regal feast?
Might I suggest a side of roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sea salt? Or perhaps a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, whipped with garlic and infused with thyme.
And what of the wine pairing, you ask? Why, a robust and full-bodied Pinot Noir would suit this dish splendidly. Its velvety tannins and fruity notes will elevate the cherry wine sauce to new heights.
But if ye desire a white wine, fear not, for there is an option that shall not disappoint – the Chardonnay. Its buttery finish pairs seamlessly with the savory flavors of the cooked pork, whilst complementing the sweetness of the cherry sauce.
And for those who prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling grape juice or apple cider would offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this dish.
So gather ’round, friends, and let us raise our glasses in celebration of this delicious feast!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to prepare your Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce ahead of time, this recipe is an excellent choice. You can cook the pork chops and the cherry wine sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat both in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For best results, store the pork chops and cherry wine sauce in separate airtight containers. The sauce may thicken slightly when stored; if this happens, add a splash of beef broth or red wine to thin it out.
If you have leftovers after your meal, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions of pork chops and sauce together in a covered dish in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If you plan on freezing any leftovers or making additional batches of this dish, store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen food, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it according to the instructions above.
When reheating your Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce, consider adding additional flavors to enhance the dish. For example, add chopped fresh thyme or a pat of butter to the sauce before reheating it. These small touches will make every bite as delicious as the first.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect outcome of this Pork Chops with Cherry Wine Sauce recipe, I have a few tips to share.
Firstly, when it comes to cooking the pork chops, make sure to use boneless pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and avoid overcooking. Season them with salt and pepper prior to grilling or pan-frying them.
Next, while preparing the cherry pan sauce, make sure to use a good quality dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or Port wine. The wine you choose plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the sauce. Remember to let the wine cook off completely before adding beef broth and cherries.
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl before adding it to the pan sauce. This will ensure a smooth consistency without any lumps.
Additionally, be sure not to be too heavy-handed with dry mustard as it can overpower the flavors. Add only half of the suggested amount first then gradually add more if needed.
Lastly, for best results, serve these juicy pork chops with warm cherry sauce on top accompanied by Creamy Mustard Sauce on side. A perfect pairing for most occasions!
FAQ
Before concluding this recipe article, I’ve gathered some common questions about the cherry wine sauce recipe. In this section of the article, you will find answers to frequently asked questions related to ingredients, preparation, and serving suggestions. So make sure you read the following FAQ section thoroughly to clear up any doubts or confusions.
What is a good sauce that goes with pork chops?
As a sommelier, part of my job is to offer enlightening and engaging information about various types of wine, as well as suggesting excellent pairing options. In this case, I will be providing brief descriptions of different delicious sauces that can be utilized to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes. These sauces have distinct characteristics and can add depth and richness to the food they accompany. Among the sauces listed are creamy mushroom sauce, blackberry-honey mustard sauce, Dijon sauce, and more.
What wine is best for pork chops?
When it comes to complementing the flavor of pork chops, I would recommend opting for wines that are light yet possess a good amount of fruity notes. Some top choices that would perfectly hit the spot are Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Torrontés, Beaujolais Villages, or Chardonnay. These wine options will add delightful subtleties to your taste buds and elevate your pork chop dining experience.
What red wine is best for pork chops?
When it comes to red wines, few can rival the food-compatibility of Pinot Noir. Its subtle flavors won’t overpower the taste of your meal, especially when paired with pork. For those who enjoy smoked pork chops, Pinot Noir makes for a delectable combination due to its earthy and smoky notes.
What is the secret to juicy pork chops?
If you want to ensure that your pork chops come out juicy and delicious, try brining them for a short period of time. Just a 30-minute brine, or up to four hours, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your cooked pork chops. So next time you bring home pork chops, don’t forget to consider brining them first!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this pork chops with cherry wine sauce recipe is a must-try for any food lover. The savory and sweet flavors of the cherry wine sauce pair perfectly with the juicy grilled pork chops, making it a memorable and delicious meal.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also offers various substitutions and variations, allowing you to customize it to your own taste. Plus, the make-ahead and storing tips make it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
So, next time you are looking for a flavorful and impressive meal, give this pork chops with cherry wine sauce recipe a try. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Pork Chops With Cherry Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 center cut boneless pork chops
- salt and pepper
- 2/3 cup dry red wine
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 (16 ounce) can pitted dark cherries
Instructions
- Add the oil to a large saute pan. Season chops with salt and pepper. Brown the chops on both sides; reduce the heat and continue cooking until no pink remains and cooked through taking care not to overcook. Remove to a platter and keep warm.
- Combine the wine, broth, honey, thyme, salt and mustard in the saute pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Combine the cornstarch and vinegar and add it to the wine mixture. Bring to a boil and boil for one minute. Stir in the cherries.
- Return the chops to the pan and heat through before serving.