Maria's Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to season the pork chops.

Season the Pork Chops:

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub each chop with the green tea rubs, pressing the rubs into the meat to ensure they adhere well.

Sear the Pork Chops:

• Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Stir in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), crushed tomatoes, and dried or fresh oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Bake the Pork Chops:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).

Check for Doneness:

• Remove the skillet from the oven and check the pork chops for doneness. If they are not fully cooked, return them to the oven and continue baking, checking every 5 minutes.

Finish and Serve:

• Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce if desired. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve Maria's Baked Pork Chops immediately, enjoying the tender pork chops with the flavorful tomato sauce and the subtle hint of green tea from the rubs.