What's for Dinner


Last night I decided to try something new. While the heat dropped enough for me to use the grill, the rain prevented me from making this dish the way I would have liked. So, it was another stove cooked meal for our house, which worked out just as well. Let's see what's for dinner.


Cilantro Lime Pork Chops
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes



To start, take a cast-iron skillet and pour in some olive oil, just enough to coat the pan. Turn your oven to 400 and let it pre-heat.

Start getting the skillet nice and hot. While you're waiting, pat, the pork chops dry and apply your seasoning. I did basic salt and pepper on both sides this time, or you can apply your own dry rub to it.

Place the pork chops into the cast-iron and sear the meat on both sides so they are golden brown. (This should only take a couple of minutes on each side).

Take the pork chops in the cast-iron and place it on the middle rack in the oven. Let it bake for 6-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the chop.







Next, we prepare the sauce. You may want to alter the amount of ingredients based on how much meat you are cooking.

Add 2-4 tablespoons of butter to your pan (I did 4 to make sure I had enough for 6 thick chops).

Zest 2 limes (you can add more or get away with using one. We love the way lime tastes with our food).

Squeeze 2 limes to add their juice to the mix.

Add minced garlic (we tend to use a lot)

And finally, add 1/2 cup of Cilantro.

Heat it over a medium flame until the butter has melted.





Take your cast-iron skillet out of the oven and pour your sauce over the pork chops.

And just like that, you have your cilantro lime pork chops.


You can pair this with several sides. rice, veggies, even fries or tater tots. I chose to go with garlic mashed potatoes.














 

I chose to go with a very simple garlic mash.

  • Peel and cut up four medium potatoes
  • Boil them in water for about 15-20 minutes or until you can cut them easily with a fork
  • Drain the water from the pot
  • Take your potato masher and go to town on them until you are satisfied.
  • Add two tablespoons of butter
  • Sprinkle in some salt and pepper
  • Add minced garlic (I added about 2 and a half tablespoons, but we love garlic)
  • Add milk or heavy cream (about half to 3/4 of a cup should be fine)
  • Take a spoon, mixing and whisking the potatoes until you get the creamy texture. (If it's too lumpy, go back and use your masher or add more milk but not too much or else it will be watery). 






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