Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice

Pork chops get a bad rap as being dry, tough, and bland. I think the quality of meat and method of preparation are key. I love this recipe because they are made in the slow cooker and come out tender and full of flavor. I also love that this recipe is on the lighter side. Many others use cream soups, sour cream, gravies and other fatty ingredients, again I think this is to help the dry, bland pork. My adjustments from the original are in italics.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, center cut pork chops
1 cup uncooked rice - white, brown, wild, blend
1/2 cup chopped onion
3-4 carrots, diced
2 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbsp. butter
1 (5 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup water
10 ounces beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces green peas

Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown pork chops on both sides. I did not do this just because of time but I'm sure it would make them more flavorful. I just sprinkled both sides of chops with some of the soup mix.
2. Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Then place the rice, onion, carrots, butter, water chestnuts, and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Pour in water, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in onion soup mix, season with pepper, and top with pork chops.
3. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 7 to 9 hours, or on High setting for 4 to 5 hours. Stir in peas before serving just long enough to heat through. I did 4 hours on high. Some of the other reviews complained of mushy rice when cooked longer on low. I used a wild rice blend and it was great.