Posted by GayleL June 10, 2001

Source: charlotte.com - compiled by The Observer staff

Although the menu at Sylvia's now offers things like grilled salmon, the old dishes are still the staples. This recipe. from "Sylvia's Soul Food," calls for shoulder chops, but we tested it with pork loin chops. You could also halve the meat and vegetables, but keep the gravy ingredients the same.

Makes 8 servings.

8 (3/4-inch thick) shoulder pork chops
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, divided
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large onions, coarsely chopped
2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded and
    coarsely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
2 cups water

Trim excess fat from the edges of the pork chops. Sprinkle each with some of the 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Season 2 cups flour with the remaining 1 tablespoon salt and pepper. Dredge chops in the flour until coated on all sides, shaking off excess flour.

Pour the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy skillet, such as cast iron, over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shake slightly, add as many pork chops as will fit without crowding. Fry, turning once, until well-browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove chops to a plate and repeat with remaining chops.

Pour off all but 1/4 cup drippings from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add onions, green peppers and celery. Cook until brown and soft, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the vegetables and bottom of the skillet. Cook, stirring, until flour is golden brown. Slowly pour in 2 cups water. Stir, then cook until thickened.

Place pork chops in a Dutch oven or divide between two skillets. Top with the gravy and vegetables. Cover tightly and cook over low heat until pork chops are cooked through, about 15 minutes.