A delightful twist on a classic Italian-inspired dish, these pork chops are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the pork chops to achieve a good sear.
Season the pork chops with salt and ground black pepper on both sides.
Seasoning the meat just before cooking helps retain its natural juices.
Place the pork chops in the pan and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour the stewed tomatoes over the pork chops.
Pour the tomatoes slowly to prevent splattering.
Add the fresh basil sprigs to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the tomato sauce.
Adding herbs during simmering infuses the sauce with their aroma.
Cover the pan with a lid, return it to the heat, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours until the pork chops are tender.
Check occasionally to ensure the sauce is not boiling, as this could toughen the meat.
Uncover the pan and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Serve the pork chops hot with the tomato sauce spooned over them. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Serve with a side of your choice, such as mashed potatoes or pasta, to complete the meal.