Wild Eats & Treats!

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Savory Paleo Pork Chops with Sweet Apple Compote

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 boneless pork chops (approximately 1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Apple Compote:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, adjust according to sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Pork Chops:

1. Season the Pork Chops:
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

3. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of each pork chop, ensuring an even coating.

4. Sear the Pork Chops:

5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Once hot, add the pork chops in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.
7. Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let them cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
9. Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate covered loosely with foil.

Preparing the Apple Compote:

1. Cook the Apples:
2. In the same skillet (wipe out excess oil if necessary), melt the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat.

3. Add the diced apples, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften, approximately 4-5 minutes.

4. Simmer the Compote:

5. Pour in the apple juice, honey (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt.
6. Stir everything together, let it simmer, and reduce until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving:

Place each pork chop on a plate and spoon the apple compote over the top. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately.

Recipe Summary:

• Calorie Count: Approximately 400 calories per serving (includes both pork chops and apple compote)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This Paleo-friendly dish combines juicy pork chops with a slightly sweet and aromatic apple compote. Easy to prepare yet bursting with flavors, it’s a perfect choice for a wholesome family meal. The natural sweetness of the apples, enhanced by warming spices, balances deliciously with the savory, herb-crusted pork, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that is sure to impress!

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