Pork tenderloin with salad

Grilled pork tenderloin with fresh salad and fries

A delicious recipe, perfect for a sunny day or a family dinner, the pork tenderloin with salad is a wonderful choice that combines the flavor of juicy meat with the freshness of vegetables. It is a simple recipe, yet with a special taste that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s discover together the necessary steps to prepare this dish, as well as some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For the pork tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins
- 3 pieces of smoked sausage (preferably homemade)
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (for greasing the meat)

For the fries:
- 1 kg of salad potatoes (ideal for frying)
- Non-hydrogenated palm oil (enough for frying)

For the salad:
- 1 large lettuce (iceberg or romaine type)
- 4 endives
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 6-7 surimi sticks
- 1 lime (for juice)
- 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (adjust to taste)
- Salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried tarragon, rosemary, and dried vegetables (according to preferences)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning the pork tenderloin of any skin. This step is essential for achieving a fine and juicy texture. Once you have cleaned the meat, moisten your hands with extra virgin olive oil and thoroughly grease the tenderloin. This helps keep the meat moist on the grill and prevents burning. Also add the smoked sausage next to the tenderloin on the grill for extra flavor.

2. Preparing the fries: Clean the potatoes and cut them into desired shapes. If you have a special potato cutter, use it to achieve jagged edges, which will make the fries crispier. Heat the palm oil in a deep pot or pan. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes and fry them until golden and crispy. Don't forget to stir occasionally to ensure they fry evenly.

3. Preparing the salad: In a large bowl, add the lettuce, chopped endives, radishes, and surimi sticks. The lime juice added at the end will give a refreshing taste to the salad. Season with salt, pink pepper, dried tarragon, rosemary, and dried vegetables. Add the balsamic vinegar and mix the ingredients well. Your salad is now ready to be served!

4. Grilling: Place the tenderloin and sausage on the grill with a lid. Cook for about 40 minutes, turning the meat halfway through (20 minutes on each side). You can check if it's done using a meat thermometer - the internal temperature should be about 70°C.

5. Plating: Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step is important to allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, keeping it juicy. Arrange the slices of tenderloin next to the sausage on the plate, along with a serving of fries and the fresh salad.

Serving suggestions:

For an even more enjoyable culinary experience, you can serve this dish with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a slice of fresh bread can perfectly complement the meal, being ideal for absorbing the delicious flavors.

Tips and variations:

If you want to experiment, you can add various spices to the tenderloin, such as cumin or smoked paprika, for an extra flavor. You can also try replacing the salad with fresh spinach or arugula, which adds a distinct note.

Nutritional benefits:

Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The salad and vegetables add vitamins and minerals, while the fries, although higher in calories, provide necessary carbohydrates for energy. By consuming this dish, you enjoy a balanced and filling meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or chicken, adjusting the cooking time according to the type of meat.

- What else could I add to the salad?
You can include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado to diversify the textures and flavors.

- How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat in the oven to keep it juicy.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! I assure you that every bite will be an explosion of flavors. Enjoy your meal!