Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 pork chops (boneless)
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1/2 pound fresh mushroom, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the pork chops by cutting a slit in each one to create a pocket.
- In a bowl, mix the ground chicken or turkey, diced mushrooms, and chopped thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff each pork chop with the chicken mixture.
- Spread pesto sauce over the pork chops.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the pork chops in a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Depending on the exact ingredients used, the calorie count will vary. A general estimate would be around 400-500 calories per serving.
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low to moderate, depending on the pesto sauce used.
- Protein: High, due to the meat content.
Dish Characteristics:
- Creative fusion of American and Italian flavors.
- Pesto sauce adds a rich, herbal flavor to the pork chops.
- Ground chicken or turkey is used for a leaner option, but still maintains the pork's rich flavor.
- Diced mushrooms add texture and a subtle earthy flavor.
User Comments:
- "The pesto sauce was a great addition, added a unique flavor to the pork chops."
- "I liked the combination of pork and ground chicken, it was quite tasty."
- "The dish was quite easy to make and was a hit with my family."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Ensure the pork chops are cooked through before serving to ensure safety.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal taste.
- If desired, you can experiment with different types of pesto sauce for a varied flavor experience.