Craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! These Simple Tomato Pork Chops are your answer to a busy weeknight dinner dilemma. Using the magic of a pressure cooker, we’ll transform humble pork chops into fall-off-the-bone tender morsels, all smothered in a vibrant, savory tomato and pepper sauce. It’s a rustic, flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in just 40 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• 2 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch / 2.5 cm thick
• 1 cup / 150g cherry tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup / 240ml beef broth
• Spices
• ½ tsp salt, plus more for sauteing
• ½ tsp freshly ground white pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Place the pork chops in the inner pot of your pressure cooker and season with ½ tsp of salt. Pour in the beef broth.
3. Secure the lid, set the steam release handle to the “Sealing” position, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. Carefully open the lid.
5. Remove the cooked pork chops and transfer them to a bowl. Set aside, reserving the broth in the pot.
6. Select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper, sprinkling with a bit more salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
7. Add the cherry tomatoes and about ¼ cup of the reserved broth from the pot. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender.
8. Stir in the white pepper and garlic powder. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
9. Carefully transfer the vegetable and broth mixture to a blender or food processor and process until you have a smooth sauce.
10. To serve, pour the warm tomato sauce over the pork chops. Enjoy immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 633
• Total Fat: 37g
• Net Carbs: 9.1g
• Protein: 63.6g
• Fiber: 2.6g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, use the “Sauté” function to sear the pork chops on both sides in olive oil before pressure cooking. Remove them before adding the broth.
• If your sauce is too thin after blending, return it to the pot on the “Sauté” setting and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.
• Swap the green bell pepper for a red or yellow one for a slightly sweeter sauce.
• Serve these pork chops over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious tomato sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe
A: Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. Since they cook faster and have less fat, consider reducing the high-pressure cooking time to around 10-12 minutes to ensure they remain tender and don’t dry out.
Q: What should I do if my tomato sauce is too thin
A: If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after blending, simply pour it back into the pressure cooker pot. Use the ‘Sauté’ function to simmer the sauce for a few minutes, which will allow it to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency.
Q: How can I add more flavor to the pork chops
A: For a deeper, richer flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function to sear the pork chops in olive oil on both sides before you begin pressure cooking. This creates a delicious crust and adds complexity to the final dish.
Q: What are the best side dishes for these pork chops
A: These pork chops are perfect for serving over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice. These sides are excellent for soaking up all of the savory tomato and pepper sauce.
