Peppercorn Pork Chops with Bacon Sauerkraut

Today we are going to look at an old-school style pork chop dish that is based upon a variety of similar recipes I have seen in cookbooks like Dominion's "Its Mainly Because of the Meat" from 1969. I have taken the best parts of some of these recipes and jazzed them up a bit technique and ingredient wise.

What you get is a great, classic combination of flavours and pork chops that are tender and delicious.

To begin, in a large saucepan cook around six pieces of bacon until done and set aside.

In the same pan use the left over bacon fat (draining some off first if necessary) to saute one large chopped onion seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Do this over medium-high heat for around 5 minutes. Set the onion aside. 

Season your pork chops with salt and pepper to taste. We made 6 chops which were bone-in. Again in the same pan brown your pork chops in batches for about 2 minutes a side over medium-high heat and set aside when done. If necessary add a little olive or vegetable oil for the browning.

Remove the pan from the heat but do not clean. When the pan has cooled place the now cooked bacon across the bottom of the pan. Cover the bacon with a layer of sauerkraut. The sauerkraut should cover the entire pan. I used a whole bottle. Season the sauerkraut with two teaspoons of mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more to taste) and then approximately 30 peppercorns evenly distributed throughout.

Place your browned chops evenly on top of the bed of sauerkraut.

Now cover the chops with the sauteed onion.

Pour 2 cups of chicken broth and one cup of a dry white wine into the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for one hour.

Serve the chops with the onion and bacon sauerkraut atop or on the side. The dish also goes well with either sour cream or Dijon mustard (or both) on the side. I like to have it with noodles as well.

This is a terrific meal, especially this time of year.

 Enjoy.

See also: Diner Style Breaded Pork Chops in Gravy

See also: Slow Cooker Beer and Sauerkraut Sausages

See also: Frenched Pork Rack Roast with Montreal Steak Spice.