Cooking Up Soul Season 1 Episode 6 Smothered Pork Chops

Cooking Up Soul season 1 episode 6, titled "Smothered Pork Chops," brings viewers on a journey to the south to learn how to make a classic southern American dish - smothered pork chops. Hosts Lydia and Diana, both southern chefs, guide viewers through the process of cooking tender pork chops smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy.

The episode begins with a brief history lesson on the dish and its origins in the South. According to Lydia and Diana, smothered pork chops were a common Sunday dinner in many southern households, as the dish was filling and easy to prepare. They explain that the term "smothered" refers to the cooking method of braising the pork chops in a thick sauce or gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.

With the history lesson out of the way, Lydia and Diana then demonstrate how to make the dish step-by-step. They first season the pork chops with a blend of spices and then sear them in a hot cast-iron skillet until they are browned on both sides. After removing the pork chops from the skillet, they use the leftover drippings to make the gravy.

The gravy consists of onions, garlic, chicken broth, and a few other ingredients that are simmered together until the sauce thickens. It's important to stir the gravy frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Once the gravy is ready, Lydia and Diana return the pork chops to the skillet and pour the thick sauce over them. They then cover the skillet and let the pork chops cook in the sauce until they are fork-tender.

While the pork chops are cooking, Lydia and Diana teach viewers how to make a classic southern side dish to go with the smothered pork chops - collard greens. They start by sautéing bacon and onions in a large skillet. Once the bacon and onions are crispy, they add the collard greens and a splash of chicken broth. The collard greens are then cooked until they are wilted and tender.

Once the collard greens are ready, Lydia and Diana plate the smothered pork chops and collard greens together. They finish off the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for some added color and flavor. The hosts then reveal the finished product to the camera, and it looks absolutely delicious.

The episode wraps up with Lydia and Diana trying the dish and giving their thoughts on how it turned out. They both agree that the smothered pork chops are tender and flavorful, and the collard greens are the perfect complement. They encourage viewers to try making the dish at home and experiment with different seasonings and spices to make it their own.

Overall, Cooking Up Soul season 1 episode 6 is a great addition to the series. The hosts do an excellent job of explaining the history and cooking process behind smothered pork chops, and their tips and tricks make it easy for viewers to recreate the dish at home. Anyone who loves classic southern American cuisine will enjoy this episode.