Can I make the champ ahead of time?
You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them, adding the green onions just before serving. However, for the best texture, fresh champ is recommended.
DINNER
Hearty Irish Champ with Pan-Seared Pork Chops and Apple Gravy
Indulge in a truly satisfying meal featuring fluffy, onion-infused Irish champ, perfectly seared pork chops, and a rich, sweet-and-savory apple gravy. This dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family dinner.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
Season pork chops generously with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper on both sides. Set aside.
02
Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water over high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until very tender. Drain well. While potatoes cook, prepare the pork chops and gravy.
03
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C). Remove chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil.
04
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add diced apple and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Sprinkle flour over the apples and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
05
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
06
Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, and green onions. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season champ with additional salt and pepper to taste.
07
Serve the pan-seared pork chops immediately, topped with apple gravy, alongside generous portions of Irish champ.
About This Recipe
Indulge in a truly satisfying meal featuring fluffy, onion-infused Irish champ, perfectly seared pork chops, and a rich, sweet-and-savory apple gravy. This dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family dinner.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For extra flavor in the champ, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour in step 4, or reduce it longer in step 5. Ensure your pork chops are at room temperature before searing for more even cooking.
Easy Substitutions
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in the champ. Chicken or turkey chops can be used instead of pork. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a lighter gravy. For a richer gravy, use a splash of apple cider instead of some broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork chops and champ separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat pork chops gently in a skillet or oven to prevent drying out. Reheat champ in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the meal. For a truly Irish experience, pair with a pint of stout.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking the pork chops: This will result in dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C) and then rest them. Not mashing the champ thoroughly: Lumpy champ can be unappetizing. Ensure potatoes are very tender before mashing. Not seasoning adequately: Both the pork and the champ need proper seasoning to shine. Forgetting to scrape the fond: The browned bits in the pan are full of flavor for the gravy. Not warming the milk for the champ: Cold milk can make the champ gluey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples are best for the gravy?
Tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the richness of the pork, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also be used for a milder flavor.
How can I make the gravy vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your butter is plant-based if needed. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly for the champ.
MORE TO KNOW
Achieving perfectly seared pork chops is key to this dish. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chops to get a good crust. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the meat instead of searing it. If cooking more than two chops, sear them in batches. The apple gravy benefits from the fond (browned bits) left in the pan after searing the pork, so don't clean the skillet between steps.
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