What are the steps?
- Get thin sliced pork chops from your local grocery. You can trim them more if you like, but the thin sliced pork chops are fairly lean to begin with. Buy enough pork chops for approximately 2 per person. If you are not a big meat eater then go with one. ** If you are vegan you could skip the meat portion and add extra veggies OR you could bread something like Portabella Mushroom Caps (whole or in half depending on how big the caps are, or Eggplant slices-approximately ¼ inch thick, bake the same way, and the recipe will turn out similarly.).
- Make a gluten free breading. There are some wonderful ones that can be bought on the market; Schar is a good company to buy. However, these can add up in costs. One great alternative is to make the bread crumbs yourself! If you have leftover gluten free bread (1-2 slices) that will make enough for about 1 lb. of pork chops. Another great alternative is to use breakfast cereal. Gluten Free Rice Krispies are good to use (or a lower cost alternative would be Chex (or a gluten free cereal like Chex).
- Once the breading is made, season it to your taste. This can include just salt and pepper, or it can also include seasonings such as a quarter teaspoon of onion powder, paprika, garlic, lemon pepper or really anything you enjoy. Pork is a very versatile meat so anything from cinnamon and cloves to garlic and onions can work with the savory pork chops. I season the bread crumbs as it seasons the meat and gives a nice savory crunch when eating your chops.
- Dip your chops in evaporated milk. If you do not have evaporated milk, use skim milk. If you are vegan use an alternative such as a soy milk or coconut milk and then dip the pork chops in the crumbs.
- Place all the chops on a baking sheet. (Be sure it is non-stick, or put a non-stick mat or parchment paper down. I like to use the silicone mats as they can be used again and again and are eco-friendly).
- Put the chops in the oven for approximately 45 minutes at 350 degrees (for thicker chops it may be longer, for thinner chops it may be less time. Bake until the chops are to the wellness you prefer.) They should be brown on the outside and approximately 170 degrees on the inside.
- As the chops are baking you can wash your small new potatoes. Many stores call these fingerling potatoes. If your store does not carry them, get the freshest small red potatoes or Yukon golds you can get. Wash them under running water to remove any debris. Make sure all the potatoes are approximately the same size. If some are bigger than others, cut to same size. Put in a steamer or place in microwave safe bowl. If you are cooking in a steamer, steam approximately 20 minutes or until fork tender. If you are steaming in microwave, be sure to add water (1/4 to ½ cup) and cook 8-15 minutes. Start with 8 minutes. If they are not fork tender then cook another 2 minutes checking them each time until finished (i.e. fork tender).
- While the potatoes and pork chops are finishing up you can make a vegetable. Here I would suggest something in season such as peas or fresh green beans. I prefer cooking by steaming to steam in freshness; however, many other ways are good too. You could lightly sauté these fresh new vegetables.
- Serve all items together and you have a spring feast of fresh new vegetables with baked pork chops. Again if you are vegan just add more potatoes and an additional vegetable and enjoy the new items from the gardens.
