Description
Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Mushroom Sauce:
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt, to taste
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash with milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pork Chops:
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms until golden and tender.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens (5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine:
Return the pork chops to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and tender.
5. Serve:
Plate the pork chops with a generous spoonful of mushroom sauce and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect results. First, peel and cube the potatoes, then start boiling them in salted water. While they cook, season your pork chops generously. In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter until shimmering, then sear the chops for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a golden crust. Remove them to a plate. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the mushrooms until deeply browned. Add garlic, cook for 60 seconds, then pour in the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the cream, mustard, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer and reduce. By now, your potatoes should be tender. Drain and mash them with butter and milk. Finally, return the pork chops to the simmering sauce to finish cooking and warm through.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this comforting dish by spooning a generous bed of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a pork chop and ladle the creamy mushroom sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For a complete meal, serve with a simple side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Boil and mash potatoes. 2) Sear seasoned pork chops and set aside. 3) In the same pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic. 4) Create the sauce with broth, cream, mustard, and thyme. 5) Return chops to the sauce to finish cooking. 6) Serve chops and sauce over mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes, pork tenderloin medallions or chicken breasts work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than thick chops.
How can I make the sauce thicker? Let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce further. For a quick thickener, make a slurry with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be used, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and may not thicken as much.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can make the mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce ahead. Reheat the sauce gently, then sear the pork chops fresh and combine to serve for the best texture.
How do I know when the pork chops are done? The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the pork chops in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams them, preventing a good sear.
- Underseasoning: Season the pork chops and the sauce at every stage. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper.
- Moving the Chops Too Soon: Let the chops sear undisturbed for the full 3-4 minutes to form a proper crust before flipping.
- Using Cold Cream: Let the heavy cream come to room temperature before adding it to the hot pan to prevent curdling.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops recipe is a classic, satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but is straightforward to prepare. The key lies in building layers of flavor: a proper sear on the pork, deeply browned mushrooms, and a luxurious, thyme-infused sauce. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a foolproof meal guaranteed to impress. With the tips and techniques outlined above, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.