Handwritten recipe card for Pork Chops
by: salvagedrecipes

Pork Chops with Rice and Tomatoes

Pork Chops
This handwritten pork chop recipe reflects practical, mid-century home cooking, where one pan did double duty and nothing went to waste. The first method focuses on simple pan-fried chops, cooked slowly and carefully turned for tenderness, while the second expands into a hearty skillet meal with rice, vegetables, and tomatoes simmered together. Recipes like this were designed for busy kitchens, relying on timing and instinct more than precise measurements. The result is a comforting, savory dish that bridges everyday supper and special family meals, offering both simplicity and flexibility depending on what was on hand.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp lard (or cooking oil)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 onion (medium, sliced)
  • 2 celery stalks (cut into large pieces)
  • 14 oz stewed tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 cups water (as needed)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Heat the Pan

  • Heat a large frying pan over medium heat.
  • Add lard or oil and allow it to get hot.

Step 2: Brown the Pork Chops

  • Place pork chops in the pan.
  • Brown on both sides, turning every 10 seconds for the first 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Slowly

  • Reduce heat and continue cooking, turning occasionally.
  • Cook until done, about 20 minutes total for 1/2-inch chops.

Step 4: Add Rice and Vegetables

  • Push chops to the side of the pan.
  • Add rice, green pepper, onion, and celery around the chops.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

  • Pour in stewed tomatoes and enough water to just cover rice.
  • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Tips

  • Use bone-in chops for deeper flavor
  • Substitute brown rice, adding extra liquid
  • Add garlic for more savory depth
  • Try canned diced tomatoes with herbs
  • Include carrots or mushrooms for variety
  • Finish with fresh parsley
  • Use cast iron for best browning
  • Serve with crusty bread
  • Add paprika or thyme for seasoning
  • Make ahead and reheat gently

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 32gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3.4mg
Keyword comfort food, home cooking, one-pan meal, pork, skillet dinner, vintage recipe
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