A Simple, Cozy Supper: Skillet Apple Pork Chops

Some of the best meals aren't found in fancy cookbooks, but are the ones that come together from what's in the pantry, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. This recipe for pork chops with apples and roasted vegetables is one of those humble, hearty dishes that just feels like a warm welcome at the end of a long day. It’s not fussy, but the way the sweet apples mingle with the savory pork makes it feel a little special, too.

What You'll Need

This is the kind of meal that works with what you have. No stock concentrate? A splash of broth or even just water will do in a pinch. The key is just to have a good sear on the pork and a bit of sweetness from the apples.

• 2 pork chops
• 1 sweet potato
• 1 zucchini
• 1 apple (a firmer variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well)
• 1 lemon
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Butter
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper
• Sugar
• Stock concentrate (optional, but nice)

Putting It All Together

Don't let the steps fool you—this is mostly about a little bit of chopping and letting the oven do most of the work. It’s a wonderful dance of timing that makes you feel like a real home cook.

Roast the Vegetables

First, get those veggies going. They need a bit of time in the oven to become tender and caramelized.

• Heat your oven to 450°F. Dice the sweet potato into ½-inch pieces, toss them with oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet, and pop them on the top rack. They'll need about 12 minutes on their own first.
• Meanwhile, prep the zucchini by halving it lengthwise and cutting it into half-moons. Toss it with oil, salt, and pepper on a separate sheet and set it aside for now.

Cook the Pork & Apples

While the sweet potato starts roasting, you can turn your attention to the skillet.

• Pat the pork chops dry—this is the secret to a good sear! Season them well with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the chops until they're browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set them aside on a plate to rest.
• Now, for the magic. In that same pan, you'll melt a little butter. Add your thinly sliced apple and let it cook until it starts to soften. Add the garlic, and soon your kitchen will smell incredible.
• Pour in a little water, your stock concentrate, and a bit of sugar. Let this