Here's the recipe from Cook's Illustrated (it's not
copyrighted):
SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS
Serves 4
Make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth in this recipe; regular chicken broth
can result in an over seasoned sauce. Serve smothered chops with a starch to
soak up the rich gravy. Simple egg noodles were the test kitchen favorite, but
rice or mashed potatoes also taste great.
3 ounces bacon (about 3 slices), cut into
1/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetable oil
4 bone-in, rib-end pork chops,
1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
Ground black pepper
2 medium yellow onions, halved pole to pole and
sliced thin (about 3 1/2 cups) Salt
2 tablespoons water
2 medium garlic cloves, pressed through garlic
press or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1. Fry bacon in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until
lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper
towel-lined plate, leaving fat in saucepan (you should have 2 tablespoons bacon
fat; if not, supplement with vegetable oil). Reduce heat to medium-low and
gradually whisk flour into fat until smooth. Cook, whisking frequently, until
mixture is light brown, about the color of peanut butter, about 5 minutes.
Whisk in chicken broth in slow, steady stream; increase heat to medium-high and
bring to boil, stirring occasionally; cover and set aside off heat.
2. Heat 1-tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until smoking, about
3 minutes. Meanwhile, dry pork chops with paper towels and sprinkle with
1/2-teaspoon pepper. Brown chops in single layer until deep golden on first
side, about 3 minutes. Flip chops and cook until browned on second side, about
3 minutes longer. Transfer chops to large plate and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil, onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt,
and water to now-empty skillet. Using wooden spoon, scrape browned bits on pan
bottom and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and browned
around the edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until
fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Return chops to skillet in single layer,
covering chops with onions. Pour in warm sauce and any juices collected from
pork; add bay leaves. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pork is
tender and paring knife inserted into chops meets very little resistance, about
30 minutes.
4. Transfer chops to warmed serving platter and tent with foil. Increase heat
to medium-high and simmer sauce rapidly, stirring frequently, until thickened
to gravy-like consistency, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves, stir in
parsley, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Cover chops with sauce,
sprinkle with reserved bacon, and serve immediately