Pork Chops in Orange-Apricot Sauce

• center-cut pork chops↗4

  1/2 to 3/4 inch thick

• salt and pepper
• olive oil↗1 teaspoon
• orange juice↗1⁄2 cup
• tomato paste↗2 tablespoons
• apricot preserves↗1 tablespoon
• dried apricot halves↗4 -5

  finely chopped

• grated orange zest1 teaspoon
• orange↗1

  sliced

• cooked jasmine rice↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Wash pork chops and pat dry.

2. 2

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. 3

   In a large skillet heat the olive oil and add pork chops.

4. 4

   Brown well, turning once or twice.

5. 5

   While meat is browning, mix together remaining ingredients.

6. 6

   Transfer meat to the crockpot.

7. 7

   Pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet and stir quickly to deglaze pan.

8. 8

   Continue to stir until mixture is thoroughly blended.

9. 9

   Pour mixture over meat, cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

10. 10

    Remove pork chops from broth, cut orange slices to the center, twist and arrange a slice on each of the chops.

11. 11

    Serve on a bed of jasmine rice.