• 4 pork loin chops, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
  • 1 10-3/4-ounce can reduced-fat and reduced-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Directions:

1. Trim fat from chops. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chops; cook until browned, turning to brown evenly. Drain off fat. Place onion in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Add chops. Using a mortar and pestle, crush tapioca. In a medium bowl, combine tapioca, mushroom soup, apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, snipped or dried thyme, and garlic powder; stir in mushrooms. Pour over chops in slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 9 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to to 4-1/2 hours. If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs. Makes 6 servings.

 

Test Kitchen Tip

If you prefer to use a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, use 6 pork loin chops. Leave remaining ingredient amounts the same and prepare as above. Makes 6 servings.