Sausage & Apricot Stuffed Baked Pork

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €15.73 · €2.62/serving

• 8 thin-cut, boneless pork loin chopsEst. price €6.50–€10.50
• Salt and freshly ground black pepperEst. price €0.05–€0.15
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)Est. price €0.45–€0.90
• 2 cups chicken stock or brothEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1 pound Italian bulk sausageEst. price €4.00–€7.50
• 3 celery ribs, choppedEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1 medium onion, choppedEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and choppedEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 6 dried apricots, choppedEst. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsleyEst. price €0.40–€0.80

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, set the oven temperature to 350°F to preheat.

2. 2

   Begin by seasoning the chops with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Place the chops in the hot skillet to sear until they develop a caramelized crust on each side, which should take approximately one to two minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the chops to a baking dish or casserole. Pour about 1/2 cup of chicken stock over the chops in order to keep them moist during the remaining cooking process; you can estimate this amount based on your judgment. Cover the dish or pan loosely with aluminum foil before transferring it into the oven for further cooking.

3. 3

   Begin by sautéing the yellow squash before returning to prepare the stuffing for this recipe.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Stuffed pork dishes have been enjoyed in various cultures for centuries, often as a festive or celebratory meal. The combination of Italian sausage and apricots in this recipe reflects a blend of Mediterranean and European culinary influences.

• Seasonal note

  This dish is great to make year-round, but apricots are typically in season from late spring to early summer, making it an ideal choice during that time. Pork is often enjoyed during fall and winter months.

• Health note

  This dish is high in protein and provides a good amount of healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. The vitamins A and C from the ingredients contribute to immune health and skin health.