Pork and apples are a classic pairing, and figs and sweet anise seed, orange juice and red wine vinegar, all add an exciting depth of flavor. Give this Crock-pot Pork Chops with Apples and Figs recipe a try next time you’re using your slow cooker.
Activities from this Summer, including a move that found us downsizing from our home of 22 years, has taken it’s toll on my involvement in the #SundaySupper movement. I’m glad to be back around the Sunday Supper table as it’s a great group of bloggers with great ideas for commaradarie and group events. If you’re not familiar, the #SundaySupper Movement was started by Isabel over at Family Foodie as a project for “bringing back Sunday supper around the family table.” Who can argue with that??? This event is being hosted by Heather of Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks and Christie of A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. Thanks Ladies!
When the leaves start turning from green to brilliant Fall colors, I start turning to my crockpot for easy flavor-packed savory meals. And this recipe couldn’t be more timely for convenience and the season. I’ve chosen this easy slow cooker pork chops with apples.
With my love for fennel seed, I sometimes forget about that container of anise seed in my spice drawer. Similar to fennel, anise is sweet and very aromatic. The seeds I purchased at my local spice shop are whole and whenever I cook with them I crush them with my fingers as I’m sprinkling them on. Then I find myself craving black jelly beans. 🙂
I started this easy crock pot layered meal with thick cut-bone in pork chops. Mom always told me those bones make for extra good flavor…I’ve never been one to argue much with Mom. I seared the chops first over high heat in a stove top grill pan, sprinkling each side with anise seed. Then I placed two thick sliced Granny Smith apples on the bottom of the crock pot and put the two pork chops on top of the apples.
A thick sliced sweet onion was next to pile on.
And the grand finale, a pint of halved Mission figs.
After a good shake of salt, some fresh ground pepper, orange juice and red wine vinegar for the cooking liquid, you’re ready to plug in the crock pot and enjoy the aromas that fill your home.
I served the pork chops on a platter, topped with all of the savory goodness from the crockpot and some orange slices for garnish squeezing. My side dishes were roasted acorn squash and fresh tomatoes from my garden. A delicious seasonal, savory meal.
Love using that crock pot? Don’t miss this recipe for Crock Pot Country Style Ribs.
And if you’re looking for more pork chop recipes, don’t miss this one for Mexican Pork Chops with Orange Cinnamon Ancho Chile Sauce
- 1 pound bone in thick cut pork chops
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed aniseed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Granny Smith apples sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion thick sliced
- 1 clove large garlic minced
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 8 ounces Mission figs cut in half
- Sprinkle the aniseed on both sides of the pork chops and season with salt and pepper. In grill pan, sear the pork chops until browned. About 3 minutes per side. Add the pork steaks and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until well browned, about 3 minutes per side
- In the meantime, spray your Crock Pot with non-stick spray and sprinkle in the apples. Place browned pork chops on top of the apples. Next layer in the slices of onions and the figs. Sprinkle the garlic over the mixture and add orange juice and red wine vinegar.
- Cook on medium heat 6 – 7 hours.
Crock Pot Pork Chops with Apples and Figs…It’s What’s for Dinner
Larry says
October 18, 2014 at 5:38 amPork and fruit seem to go so well together and this dish looks delicious. Bev really likes chops that are baked til totally tender like this.
Lea Ann Brown says
October 21, 2014 at 6:58 amYou know me and pork chops. But now that I’ve started brining, the crockpot isn’t always my choice for getting them tender.
Chris says
November 6, 2014 at 11:20 amI love that you did the grill marks even for a slow cooker recipe 🙂 I would too. Looks like a great meal. I like the fennel but haven’t done much with anise. Funny, Trevor doesn’t associate it like that, if I told him it tasted like licorice he would expect it to taste like red twizzlers, lol.
Lea Ann Brown says
November 6, 2014 at 4:49 pmgreat….now I’m craving twizzlers. 🙂