A nice one pot almost dinner
Many home cooks fail to brown pork chops before slow cooking, missing an opportunity to build deep umami through the Maillard reaction. While this recipe relies on moisture and direct steaming within the slow cooker, incorporating root vegetables alongside the meat ensures balanced textures and flavors.
Pair these savory chops with a crisp green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette containing a three-to-one oil-to-vinegar ratio to cut through the richness of the meat and gravy. Steamed green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide a contrasting crunch against the tender potatoes and carrots cooked in the pot. Crusty sourdough bread works well for soaking up the reduced onion pan juices.
Transferring the cooking liquid to a separate saucepan and bringing it to a rolling boil is necessary to activate the cornstarch slurry. Whisking one teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water prevents lumps from forming when introduced to the hot broth. Simmer the mixture for two minutes until the starches gelatinize and coat the back of a spoon cleanly.
Store leftover meat and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of added water to loosen the thickened sauce. Freezing is not recommended because thawed potatoes turn mealy and watery.