Thick Pork Chops with Spiced Apples and Raisins

Name: Thick Pork Chops with Spiced Apples and Raisins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 gallon water; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup sea salt; 1 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed; 1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns; 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 4 double-cut bone-in loin pork chops, 1 pound each; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; Extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced in 1/2-inch-thick wedges; Leaves from 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 1/4 cup raisins; 3/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; Pinch dry mustard; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 lemon

Servings: persons

1 gallon water
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sea salt
1 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
2 fresh thyme sprigs
4 double-cut bone-in loin pork chops, 1 pound each
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced in 1/2-inch-thick wedges
Leaves from 2 fresh thyme sprigs
1/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch dry mustard
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon

1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2
In a mixing bowl combine the water, brown sugar, sea salt, apple juice concentrate, peppercorns, and thyme.
3
Give it a good stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
4
Transfer the mixture to an extra-large re-sealable plastic bag.
5
Submerge the pork chops in the brine, seal up the bag, and put it in the refrigerator for 2 hours to tenderize the meat.
6
Do not brine longer than that or the meat will break down too much and get mushy.
7
Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
8
Sprinkle both sides of the meat with salt and pepper.
9
Put a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
10
Add a 3-count drizzle of olive oil and get it hot.
11
Lay 2 pork chops in the pan (most likely only 2 of these massive pork chops will fit comfortably) and brown 4 minutes per side.
12
Remove the pork chops to a large baking pan; brown the remaining 2 chops and add them to the others in the pan.
13
Put the baking pan in the oven and roast the chops for 30 minutes.
14
The pork is done when the center is still rosy and the internal temperature reads 140 to 145 degrees F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
15
While the chops cook, melt the butter in a clean skillet over medium-low heat.
16
Add the apples and thyme and coat in the butter; cook and stir for 8 minutes to give them some color.
17
Toss in the raisins and add the apple juice, stirring to scrape up the brown bits.
18
Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and dry mustard; season with salt and pepper.
19
Squeeze in the juice from the lemon to wake up the flavor and simmer for 10 minutes or until the apples break down and soften.
20
Spoon the spiced apples over the pork chops.

693

kcal

Calories

Fat

104

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 gallon water, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed, and more.

Yes, Thick Pork Chops with Spiced Apples and Raisins falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!