Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This recipe for juicy pork chops and roasted sweet potatoes is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals and delicious dishes made easy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness and glaze)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for extra flavor and aroma)
Instructions:
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, half the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Cooking the Pork Chops:
- While the oven preheats and the sweet potatoes are preparing, season the pork chops with the remaining olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best!) over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step helps to seal in the juices and develop a delicious crust.
- If using, add the fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Roast the pork chops and sweet potatoes together for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- If using honey, during the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the pork chops with honey to create a sweet and sticky glaze.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing your pork chops: Look for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick for even cooking. Thicker chops may require a longer cooking time.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the sweet potatoes are in a single layer on the baking sheet for even roasting. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your pork chops are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Roast other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots alongside the sweet potatoes.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe for pork chops and sweet potatoes is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a delicious dish guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!