Spicy Cajun Pork Chops with Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Tips for Experienced Cooks
To elevate the dish, consider brining the pork chops in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and Cajun seasoning for at least 2 hours before cooking. This step will not only season the meat deeply but also ensure it stays juicy and tender during cooking. For the garlic mash, roast a head of garlic alongside the cauliflower for a deeper flavor. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skins and add it to the mash for a caramelized garlic twist. When making the garlic cream sauce, consider reducing the cream with a splash of white wine before adding the garlic for an added layer of flavor.
Step 1: Preheat oven and season pork chops
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Season the pork chops with Cajun seasoning, rubbing it in on both sides.
- Pork chops
- Cajun seasoning
Step 2: Cook pork chops
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pork chops from step 1
Step 3: Roast cauliflower
Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden and tender.
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 4: Prepare garlic puree
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the garlic cloves and cook for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain the garlic and add it to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- 6 cloves garlic
Step 5: Make garlic cream sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic puree and cook for 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Garlic puree from step 4
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 6: Mash the roasted cauliflower
Mash the roasted cauliflower with a potato masher or fork, then add the garlic cream mixture. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Roasted cauliflower from step 3
- Garlic cream sauce from step 5
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Cajun pork chops with the roasted cauliflower and garlic mashed cauliflower. Enjoy!
- Pork chops from step 2
- Garlic mashed cauliflower from step 6
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 4 pork chops pork chop
Pantry Items
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 head cauliflower
Seasonings & Spices
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper