Pork muscle in the oven

Pork Tenderloin in the Oven – a simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends. This dish will not only delight your taste buds but also bring back pleasant memories, being a traditional recipe passed down through generations. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this aromatic and tender pork tenderloin will make you want to come back to the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 pork tenderloin (approximately 500-600g)
- 200g carrots (or 300g baby carrots)
- 1 large onion
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 5 cloves of garlic (plus one extra for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 10 peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- water (enough to cover the vegetables)

Preparation

Step 1: Marinating the pork tenderloin

1. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix two crushed garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. This flavorful sauce will enhance the meat's taste.
2. Marinating the meat: Rub the pork tenderloin with this sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Cover the meat with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight for a more intense flavor. If you're in a hurry, leave it at room temperature for about an hour.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables

3. Preparing the pot: In a deep pot, add the marinated pork tenderloin. Cut the onion into quarters and add it to the pot along with the peeled carrots. If using baby carrots, leave them whole; otherwise, cut the carrots in halves or quarters, depending on their size.
4. Flavoring the pot: Add the peppercorns and bay leaves. All these ingredients will contribute to a rich flavor.
5. Boiling: Add water until the vegetables are covered and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the potatoes

6. Boiling the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes until they become slightly soft but not fully cooked.

Step 4: Baking

7. Transferring to the baking dish: After the 30 minutes of boiling, take the pork tenderloin, vegetables, and sauce from the pot and transfer them to a baking dish. Add the boiled potatoes and 3 sliced garlic cloves for extra flavor.
8. The oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish in the oven. Let it bake for 30-40 minutes until the meat is browned and juicy.

Serving

Once the pork tenderloin is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing the meat. Serve it alongside the roasted vegetables and potatoes, along with a mixed pickle salad to complete the meal.

Useful tips

1. Marinating: Marinating the meat is essential for achieving a juicy roast. If you have time, let the meat marinate for more than 24 hours for an even more intense flavor.
2. Olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add extra flavor.
3. Recipe variations: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the taste. You can also experiment with spices like rosemary or thyme.
4. Serving: This recipe pairs excellently with a dry red wine that will complement the rich flavors of the roast.

Nutritional benefits

Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of protein, vital for muscle development and maintaining optimal health. The added vegetables enrich the dish with vitamins and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use a different type of tenderloin? Yes, you can also use beef or chicken tenderloin, but the cooking time will vary.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. You can reheat the dish in the oven or in a pan.
- What side dishes pair well? Besides pickles, a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes pair very well.

Now that you know all the details about this pork tenderloin recipe, it's time to start cooking and enjoy a delicious dish! Bring a touch of warmth to your kitchen, and it will please both you and your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!