Quick Sauteed Pork Chops - It's What's For Dinner

Today was one of those days where I stared at our pantry and nothing looked good or spoke to me for dinner.  I could not come up with anything.  I had several choices of which zero sounded good.  I decided to pack the kids into the car and head to the grocery store.  We are lucky to live within 3 minutes of a Publix and a BiLo.  We headed to Publix and walked to see what looked good in the meat department today.  After staring at everything for more than 5 minutes, I finally settled on some pork chops.  I have never cooked pork chops but I figured I could wing it.  We headed over to the produce section to pick up a sweet onion to make a topping of caramelized onions.  I usually keep onions on hand.  We use them a lot.  Alex would eat a whole one if I would let him.  (Did I mention he is four years old?)

I started dinner by heating up a pan on medium heat with a little olive oil (about 3 tablespoons).  I sliced the onion into rings and then halved those because the onion was so big.  I added them to the pan and cooked until caramelized, stirring occasionally.  It took about 25 minutes or so to get them to the point I wanted.

In another pan, I added a little vegetable oil and started heating it up.  I stared at my spice cabinet trying to decide what to add to the chops other than salt and pepper.  I decided on ground mustard, garlic powder, and turmeric.  I sprinkled each of the chops with a little of each spice and added them to the heated pan.  I cooked them for between 3 and 5 minutes on the first side.  Once I added them to the pan, I seasoned the second side.  After I flipped the chops, I cooked them an additional about 3 minutes.

I took them out of the pan to let them rest before serving.  I steamed some broccoli (Alex's favorite food - again he is four) and cooked a little mac and cheese.


For an impromptu meal, this one is a keeper.  It turned out great and everyone cleaned their plates!