Slow Cooked Pork And Potatoes

Ingredients

6 bone in pork loin chops

4 medium sized potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into chunks

1 large onion, cut into small chunks

1 tbsp canola oil

1 tbsp butter

3 tbsp all purpose flour

14 ounces of chicken broth

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

1 cup low fat milk

(optional: add in carrots, green beans or vegetable of choice)

Instructions

Spray the slow cooker with non stick spray

Place the chunky potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot

In a skillet, lightly brown the pork chops, in the canola oil

Place the browned pork chops on the top of the potatoes

Place the cut up onion in the skillet without cleaning it. Saute using the oil and juices from the pork chops

Put the sauteed onions on top of the pork chops

In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour.

Add the salt, pepper and the chicken broth

Stir until well combined and beginning to thicken

Pour this sauce over the top of the onions in the crock pot. The sauce will slowly pass on down through all the ingredients and they will then have all the flavor of the sauce

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 hours

Skim off any fat that accumulates and thicken the sauce more if desired

Enjoy!

Notes:

Ingredient Preparation:

Ensure potatoes are cut into uniform chunks for even cooking.
You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.

Browning the Pork Chops:

Browning the pork chops in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and helps retain the juices.
Use the same skillet for sautéing onions to absorb the pork chop flavors.

Optional Vegetables:

Feel free to add carrots, green beans, peas, or your preferred vegetables to the slow cooker. This adds more nutrition and variety to the dish.

Making the Sauce:

Creating a roux with butter and flour in the same skillet used for browning the pork adds depth to the sauce.
Ensure the flour is well-cooked to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.

Cooking Time:

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule. Low and slow cooking yields tender pork chops and well-cooked potatoes.

Adjusting Sauce Consistency:

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with additional chicken broth or milk towards the end of cooking.
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce it or add a slurry of flour and water.

Flavor Enhancements:

Season the pork chops and potatoes generously with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Slow Cooker Tips:

Spraying the slow cooker with non-stick spray can help with easy cleanup, although it’s not strictly necessary.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the pork chops.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops if you prefer.

The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Bone-in chops tend to add extra flavor to the dish.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it by adding vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas.

Simply add them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.

Do I need to brown the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker?

Browning the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker is optional but recommended.

Browning adds flavor by creating a crust on the meat and helps seal in juices.

It enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Can I use a different type of broth if I don’t have chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable or beef broth if you prefer or based on what you have available.

The choice of broth will influence the flavor of the dish slightly.

How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce to my liking?

You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of flour used.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more flour while making the roux in the skillet.

Conversely, if you want a thinner sauce, use less flour.

Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cooks in the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray?

Spraying the slow cooker with non-stick spray is optional.

It can help with cleanup, but it’s not essential.

The combination of butter and the sauce in the recipe should prevent sticking in most slow cookers.

What can I use as a substitute for canola oil?

If you don’t have canola oil, you can use other high-heat cooking oils like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil as a substitute.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before cooking?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight.

In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking according to the instructions.

What can I serve as a side dish with this meal?

This dish is a complete meal with pork, potatoes, and onions.

However, if you’d like to add more vegetables, you can serve it with a side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots.

The choice of side dish is flexible and depends on your preferences.