Crock Pot Pork Chops In Wth Apples And Figs Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to the aroma of pork chops slow-cooked with apples and figs, a dish that brings warmth to the soul and a smile to your face.

I love to combine sweet elements and savory ones, and one of my favorite recipes made in a slow cooker is bone-in pork chops served with apples and figs. The tender, slow-cooked pork chops, delicately seasoned with salt and pepper, make an excellent pairing, in my opinion, with the sweet-tasting fruit.

The apples provide a crunchy counterpoint to the sumptuous figs, which somehow always taste richer than regular dried fruit when they are heated. During the winter, I think it’s especially nice to serve dishes that fill the house with warmth and fragrance.

Crock Pot Pork Chops In Wth Apples And Figs Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Rich in protein and iron, offering a juicy, flavorful base.
• Apples: Add natural sweetness and fiber, balancing savory notes.
• Dried Figs: Provide a subtle sweetness and chewy texture, with antioxidants.
• Onion: Enhances savory depth and provides essential vitamins.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic flavors and offers immune-boosting properties.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory, umami base rich in nutrients.
• Apple Cider: Imparts a sweet-tart flavor while tenderizing meat.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
• Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes with antioxidants.

Crock Pot Pork Chops In Wth Apples And Figs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup dried figs, halved
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

How to Make this Crock Pot Pork Chops In Wth Apples And Figs Recipe

1. Sprinkle the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper for seasoning.

2. Warm olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops in the oil, getting a good brown on them, for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Put the sliced apples, figs, onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot.

4. Place the pork chops that have been seared on top of the mixture of figs and apples.

5. In a bowl, blend together the chicken broth, apple cider, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme.

6. In a crock pot, pour the mixture of chicken broth and ingredients over the pork chops and fruit.

7. Put in the cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours, or to high for 3 to 4 hours. Set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the pork chops become really tender.

8. If a thicker sauce is desired, you can mix the cornstarch with water until smooth and then add it to the juices in the crock pot. After that, you should stir the mixture well and let it cook for another 15 to 30 minutes on high.

9. Serve the pork chops with the cooked apples, figs, and sauce spooned over the top.

10. Relish this nostalgic, sweet, and savory dish with your pick of sides.

Crock Pot Pork Chops In Wth Apples And Figs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan
2. Tongs
3. Crock pot (slow cooker)
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Mixing bowl
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Spoon or whisk (for mixing)
10. Optional: Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
11. Optional: Stirring spoon

FAQ

• Can boneless pork chops be used instead of bone-in?Indeed, it’s possible to use pork chops without bones, but it’s vital to monitor the cooking time because those chop cuts without bones may have the cooking rate of fast versus slow when compared to chops with bones.
• What type of apples are best for this recipe?This recipe works well with firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but you can use whatever your favorite variety of apple is.
• Can I substitute fresh figs for dried figs?Indeed, fresh figs may be used. However, you might have to amend the sweetness and cooking time somewhat since fresh figs let out a lot more moisture.
• How can I thicken the sauce if desired?For a sauce with a thicker consistency, blend the cornstarch with water and pour it into the slow cooker. Stir well and let it cook for about half an hour before serving.
• How long should the pork chops cook in the Crock Pot?Prepare the pork by cooking it on a low setting for 6 to 7 hours or a high setting for 3 to 4 hours. The finished result will be tender pork that is fully cooked.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Indeed, you can get the ingredients ready the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, in the morning, you can put the ingredients into the Crock Pot.
• What can I serve with these pork chops?Mash potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables with these pork chops.

Crock Pot Pork Chops In Wth Apples And Figs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the apples: Substitute with pears or peaches for another fruit flavor.
Use dried apricots or raisins to replace dried figs. They have a comparable sweetness.
For the chicken broth: It is possible to utilize vegetable broth to achieve a lighter flavor.
White wine or apple juice can stand in for the apple cider.
You can substitute grainy mustard or yellow mustard for the Dijon mustard if necessary.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the Pork Chops Thoroughly: Take your time to properly sear the pork chops to achieve a deep golden-brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the dish by adding rich, caramelized tones to the meat.