Pork Chops Marsala - Rich and flavorful comfort food

This time of year we all need something rich and satisfying to warm not just your stomach, but your soul—comfort food. Whether daily activities involve shoveling snow, removing Christmas decorations or—for some of us—taking a leisurely walk on a sun-soaked beach, this rich, flavorful recipe will keep you satisfied.

Don’t be daunted by the inclusion of crimini mushrooms (now readily available in most supermarkets) or of the sweet Marsala wine. The wine is the secret ingredient that binds sweet and savory together.

Nothing is so fine, in fact, as the flavor that is enhanced by the simple addition of Marsala wine! Its distinctive sweet flavor when combined with the savoriness of a piece of meat, onions, and garlic, is unbelievably memorable.

From the moment of first tasting a sauce with a Marsala base, you’ll know that unique flavor forever. Consider paring this with a side dish of riced cauliflower or creamy risotto, and your family will push away from the table happy and smiling.

Pork Chops Marsala

Ingredients:

2-4 pork chops

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 minced garlic cloves

1 yellow or red onion cut into rings

1 box of crimini mushrooms left whole, stems removed

¾ cup sweet Marsala wine

¾ cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

fresh thyme and parsley

Instructions:

Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper, add to a heated skillet with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, remove when just brown.

Add remaining oil and butter, brown your garlic and onion rings, remove.

Add mushrooms and sauté till all juices evaporate then add Marsala, deglaze pan and reduce by half.

Add broth and a couple sprigs of thyme and let that reduce.

Add chops and all juices back in the pan along with the mascarpone cheese, whisk in until melted, then cover and simmer until chops are cooked through and sauce has thickened.

Garnish with chopped parsley and thyme.