1. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. Pour oil in a large, straight-sided skillet; place skillet over high heat. Add pork chops; cook until brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate; set aside.

2. Add cabbage, caraway seeds, thyme, salt and pepper to taste, cider, and stock to skillet, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 12 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, julienne the leek, and let stand in cold water 5 minutes to remove dirt and sand. Lift from the water, stir the leeks into the cabbage, replace cover, and cook 5 minutes. Add the reserved pork chops, in a single layer. Cover, and cook until the pork chops are tender or when an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and serve immediately with carrot and parsnip puree.