Pork Chops and Dirty Rice

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add rice to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and thyme, and stir to combine. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, place pork chops in a baking dish and season with Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and thyme. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and top each pork chop with a scoop of dirty rice. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Interesting Facts

• Dirty Rice is a traditional dish in Louisiana and other Southern states.
• It gets its name from the “dirty” color of the rice, which comes from the spices and vegetables used in the dish.
• It is often served with pork chops, but can also be served with other meats or as a side dish.