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Introduction: Can a Flavorful, Sweet-Spicy Pork Dish Be Ready in Just 30 Minutes?

Craving a quick, restaurant-worthy meal that balances savory and sweet? Pork Chops with Pear Chutney pairs juicy, seared pork chops with a vibrant, microwave-made pear chutney infused with ginger, curry, and cranberries. Rated 4.8/5 from 32 reviews, this easy recipe yields 4 servings (2 chops each), perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready to cook a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Overview: Why Pork Chops with Pear Chutney Shines

Pork Chops with Pear Chutney is loved for its bold flavors, quick preparation, and unique chutney. Here’s what makes it special:

Time Requirement: 30 minutes active prep and cooking, totaling approximately 30 minutes.
Difficulty Level: Easy—requires microwaving, searing, and simmering, suitable for all skill levels.
Why It’s Special: The tender, golden pork chops are elevated by a sweet-spicy pear chutney with warm curry and ginger notes, making it a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Rated 4.8/5 by 32 reviewers, it serves 4, ideal for small families or quick dinners.

Perfect with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a festive side like pumpkin polenta for a complete meal.

Essential Ingredients

Pork Chops with Pear Chutney uses vibrant, accessible ingredients for a flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

Pear Chutney

1 shallot, diced: Adds mild, sweet onion flavor.
3 tablespoons cider vinegar: Provides tangy acidity.
2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Sweetens the chutney.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness.
1 1-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, cut into coins: Brings warm, spicy depth.
1 teaspoon Madras curry powder: Infuses earthy, spicy flavor.
1 cinnamon stick: Adds warm, aromatic notes.
Kosher salt: Seasons to taste.
Pinch of crushed red pepper: Provides subtle heat.
3 pears, peeled, cored, and cut in large dice: Forms the sweet, fruity base.
2 tablespoons dried cranberries: Adds chewy, tart sweetness.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness.

Pork Chops

8 thin bone-in pork chops, each about 4 ounces: Tender, quick-cooking protein.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For searing.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Pork Chops: Thin, bone-in cuts cook quickly and stay juicy.
Pears and Cranberries: Create a sweet-tart chutney with a fruity backbone.
Curry and Ginger: Add bold, warm spices for complexity.
Cilantro: Balances the chutney with fresh, green notes.

Substitutions and Variations

Shallot: Swap with ½ small onion or 1 tablespoon onion powder.
Cider Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar or apple juice with a splash of lemon juice.
Brown Sugar: Replace with honey or maple syrup.
Butter: Use olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
Ginger: Swap with ½ teaspoon ground ginger.
Madras Curry Powder: Use regular curry powder or a mix of ½ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon cumin, and ¼ teaspoon coriander.
Cinnamon Stick: Replace with ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Red Pepper: Omit for milder flavor or increase to ¼ teaspoon for extra heat.
Pears: Swap with apples or firm peaches.
Dried Cranberries: Use raisins, dried cherries, or omit.
Cilantro: Replace with parsley or omit.
Pork Chops: Use boneless pork chops (reduce cooking time slightly) or chicken cutlets.
Vegetable Oil: Swap with olive oil or avocado oil.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm curry powder is gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Chutney: Add ½ teaspoon chopped fresh chili or extra red pepper.
- Savory Chutney: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with seared tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Herb-Infused Chutney: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary with the cilantro.
- Nutty Chutney: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds or pecans.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Pork Chops with Pear Chutney is a quick, multi-tasking process that yields a vibrant, flavorful dish. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 1 shallot, 3 tablespoons cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1-inch piece ginger, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 cinnamon stick, kosher salt, red pepper, 3 pears, 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 8 pork chops, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
Dice shallot; peel and core pears, cut into large dice; peel and slice ginger into coins; chop cilantro; pat pork chops dry.

Tip: Use firm pears to hold shape; prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly.

Step 2: Make Pear Chutney

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine diced shallot, 3 tablespoons cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, ginger coins, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 cinnamon stick, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Cover and seal with plastic wrap; microwave on HIGH for 1 minute.
Carefully remove plastic wrap; stir in diced pears and 2 tablespoons dried cranberries.
Re-cover with plastic wrap; microwave for 10 minutes more.
Carefully poke holes in plastic wrap to release steam; set aside.

Tip: Use a deep bowl to prevent spills; let chutney rest to meld flavors.

Step 3: Cook Pork Chops

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
Season 4 pork chops with kosher salt and black pepper; lay in skillet and sear until golden on one side, about 3 minutes.
Turn and cook 1 minute more; remove to a plate and keep warm (tent with foil).
Repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 4 pork chops.

Tip: Sear in batches to avoid overcrowding; ensure oil is hot for a good crust.

Step 4: Finish Chutney and Serve

Add chutney to the skillet; scrape up brown bits with a wooden spoon.
Simmer until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
Serve 2 pork chops per plate (4 servings total) with a spoonful of chutney.

Tip: Simmer briefly to blend flavors; serve immediately for warm, juicy chops.

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Assembly: Building the Perfect Pork Chops with Pear Chutney

Making Pork Chops with Pear Chutney is all about creating a balanced, flavorful dish. Here’s how to make it shine:

Pork Chops: Juicy, golden-seared chops with savory seasoning.
Pear Chutney: Sweet, spicy, and tangy with fruity texture.
Cilantro: Fresh, green garnish for brightness.
Presentation: Elegant and colorful, served on plates with chutney spooned over or beside chops.

Presentation Tips

Serve on plates with chutney draped over chops or on the side, garnished with extra cilantro.
Pair with fall-inspired sides like pumpkin polenta or a green salad for a festive spread.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a lemon wedge for extra flair.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Pork Chops with Pear Chutney is great for leftovers and meal prep.

Storage:
- Store pork chops and chutney separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze pork chops for up to 2 months; chutney may soften but can be frozen for 1 month.
Make-Ahead:
- Prep chutney up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently.
- Season pork chops up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and sear fresh.
Reheating: Reheat pork chops in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot. Reheat chutney in a saucepan over low heat or microwave.
Tip: Store cilantro separately; add fresh after reheating for vibrancy.

Recipe Variations

Pork Chops with Pear Chutney is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:

Spicy Chutney: Add a diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm curry powder is gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with seared halloumi or tofu cutlets.
Apple Chutney: Swap pears with apples for a different fruit flavor.
Savory Chutney: Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal (varies with portion size and chutney quantity).
Protein: High, from pork.
Fat: Moderate, from pork, oil, and butter.
Carbs: Moderate, from pears and sugar.
Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion: Savor the Sweet-Savory Bliss!

Pork Chops with Pear Chutney is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal, pairing juicy pork chops with a vibrant, sweet-spicy chutney for a restaurant-worthy dish. Rated 4.8/5 by 32 reviewers, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. So, fire up your skillet, microwave that chutney, and enjoy a taste of sophistication. We’d love to hear how your dish turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!

Pork Chops with Pear Chutney

Author: Alyssa

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Description

Craving a quick, restaurant-worthy meal that balances savory and sweet? Pork Chops with Pear Chutney pairs juicy, seared pork chops with a vibrant, microwave-made pear chutney infused with ginger, curry, and cranberries