Apple Cider Sage Pork Chops

Set the mood this fall with cozy, warm lighting and comforting flavors. These Apple Cider Sage Pork Chops from Downshiftology bring rich, savory aromas to your home while creating the perfect autumn ambiance. Easy to make and full of seasonal flavor, they’re ideal for intimate dinners, family meals, or simply enjoying the season at home.

INGREDIENTS

For The Brine:

• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 4 fresh sage leaves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 2 cups apple cider juice

For The Pork Chops

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 2 apples (I prefer honeycrisp or gala apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped sage leaves
• 1 cup apple cider juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small pot, bring the water, salt, garlic, sage, and peppercorns to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider. Let the brine cool to room temperature.
2. Place the pork chops in a glass baking dish or bowl (you could also use a sealed bag). Pour the cooled brine over the top of the pork chops, making sure they’re completely covered, and let them brine for 1 to 2 hours (or up to 12 hours) in the fridge.
3. Remove the pork chops, give them a rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Let them come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the oil. Once shimmering, turn the heat down to medium and add the pork chops. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chops from the pan, set on a plate, and cover them with foil to keep warm.
5. Reduce the heat to medium, add another 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, along with the coconut sugar, and stir together. Add the sliced apples and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened but still firm. Add the shallot and chopped sage leaves, and stir for another minute.
6. Add the apple cider and mustard to the pan, and gently stir together. Use tongs to add the pork chops back to the pan, and bring the liquid in the pan to a simmer while warming the pork chops, about 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and use an instant read thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked through to 145°F.