Maple Pork Chop Skillet with Carrots, Apples and Potatoes

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 boneless pork loin chops, 1-inch thick  
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled, halved and cut into thick slices 
  • 3 medium potatoes, scrubbed and cut into chunks
  • 2 apples, cored and sliced 
  • 1 garlic clove, minced  
  • 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger  
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Vegetable oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Rinse each pork chop and pat dry. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet.
  4. Heat oil over medium-high.
  5. Transfer the pork chops to the skillet once hot and sear on both sides until a golden-brown crust develops.
  6. Transfer pork chops to a platter.
  7. Combine the cider vinegar, maple syrup, ground ginger and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
  8. Toss the carrots, potatoes, and apples into the hot skillet used to sear the pork chops along with the garlic. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  9. Cook while stirring for 3-5 minutes.
  10. Pour the apple cider vinegar mixture into the pan to deglaze. Scrap to release any flavorful bits from the bottom.
  11. Remove skillet from the heat and arrange pork chops in the center of the carrots, apples, and potatoes.
  12. Place in the oven to cook for 15-20 minutes.
  13. Remove from the oven, finish with the lemon juice and serve.