SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS AND POTATOES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons butter plus 2 tablespoons oil in each of 2 skillets over medium heat.
• Put the onion and pepper slices in one skillet and cook until browned and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the seasoned salt, lemon pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper and 1/2 cup of the flour in a pie plate. Dredge the pork chops in the flour mixture.
• Fry the chops in batches in the other skillet until well browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
• To this skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons flour. Stir and cook until the roux gets some color on it, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the stock a bit at a time, working out all the lumps, then add the cream. Add the onions and peppers, coating them in the sauce.
• Serve with plenty of sauce and the caramelized onions/peppers and accompany with the Smashed Red Potatoes.
• Put the potatoes in a glass or microwavable bowl and microwave according to the manufacturer's instructions, 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and smash the potatoes with a fork. Add the butter, salt and pepper, then smash again. Cover with a towel until ready to serve.

Steps:

• In a large nonreactive container, submerge the pork in the brine and place in refrigerator for at least 12 hours or overnight, then remove the chops and dry well with paper towels.
• Heat oven to 325. Heat the oil or lard in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Dredge the chops in the flour, shaking off the excess. Reserve the leftover flour.
• Cook the chops in the fat, about 4 minutes per side, until they are brown and crisp on the exterior, and transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the onions and bay leaf and cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 15 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
• Add 6 tablespoons flour to the onions, stir well and allow to cook 3 or 4 minutes. Slowly add the stock, stirring and scraping the pan well, until it is incorporated and the mixture is slightly thickened.
• Return chops to the pot and bring to a simmer, then cover tightly and cook in the oven until very tender, 2 or more hours. Transfer chops to a plate and place pot on stovetop, over medium heat. Reduce sauce until it is thick enough to resemble gravy, skimming excess oil and foam if necessary. Return chops to pot to reheat, then serve with their gravy over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if you like.