German Smoked Pork Chops (Kassler) with Apple Compote

Introduction

This German Smoked Pork Chops (Kassler) recipe is an absolute delight! The smoked pork chops are perfectly seared on the Arteflame grill for an irresistible steakhouse-quality crust and then slow-cooked to perfection on the flat griddle cooktop. Paired with a sweet and tart apple compote, this dish brings a perfect balance of flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 smoked pork chops (Kassler)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire burn, allowing the grill to heat up. In about 20 minutes, it will be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Compote

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar, and water.
3. Mix everything well and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
4. Move the compote to a cooler part of the cooktop to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Smoked Pork Chops

1. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter on the grill grate.
2. Place each smoked pork chop on the center grill grate and sear for about 90 seconds per side to lock in flavors.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

1. Move the seared pork chops to the flat cooktop.
2. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
3. Remove the pork chops from the grill (they will continue to cook and reach 145°F off the heat).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the smoked pork chops with a generous serving of apple compote.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Tips

• Always remove the pork chops when they are 15°F below the desired internal temperature, as they will continue cooking after being taken off the grill.
• For an extra smoky flavor, use applewood or cherrywood when grilling.
• Keep the apple compote warm by moving it to the outer edges of the grill when needed.

Variations

1. Spicy Apple Compote: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a splash of bourbon to the compote for a flavorful kick.
2. Maple Glazed Pork Chops: Brush the pork chops with maple syrup before searing for a caramelized sweetness.
3. Herb Butter Pork Chops: Use a garlic and rosemary compound butter instead of plain butter for a richer flavor.
4. Cranberry Apple Compote: Add dried cranberries for an extra burst of tartness in the compote.
5. Caramelized Onion and Apple: Cook sliced onions with the apples for a savory-sweet topping.

Best Pairings

• German potato salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Warm pretzel rolls with mustard
• Oktoberfest beer
• Dry Riesling wine

Conclusion

Cooking German Smoked Pork Chops (Kassler) with Apple Compote on the Arteflame grill guarantees an unforgettable meal with a perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and savory flavors. This method ensures steakhouse-quality pork chops every time. Give this a try, and enjoy restaurant-grade grilling at home!