In a world full of flavors and culinary traditions, every recipe has its story. This Mediterranean-influenced recipe, which combines pork with juicy tomatoes, green olives, and aromatic spices, reminds us of warm summer days spent with loved ones. It is a dish that not only is relatively simple to prepare, but also offers an explosion of tastes and textures, perfect for enjoying with family and friends. So, let's get to work!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 600 g pork tenderloin, cut into medium-sized pieces
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 can peeled tomatoes (about 400 g), chopped or 450 g fresh peeled tomatoes
- 1 glass of red wine (about 200 ml)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped oregano (or basil)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 100 g green olives stuffed with pimentos, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pot that can also be used in the oven
Preparation steps
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This will ensure even cooking for your meat, helping you achieve a tender and juicy texture.
2. Searing the meat
In a pot, add the olive oil and heat it over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pieces of pork tenderloin. Sear the meat on all sides until it turns golden. This is an essential step, as searing the meat helps retain the juices inside, making it more tender.
3. Adding the onion
After the meat has browned nicely, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step will add a sweet flavor to the dish.
4. Including the garlic and cornstarch
Add the chopped garlic and sauté it with the onion for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch and mix well to combine. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce later.
5. Adding the tomatoes and wine
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and mix everything together. Then, gradually add the red wine, stirring constantly. The wine will add a complex note of flavor and help lift the aromas from the pot.
6. Seasoning
Sprinkle with green oregano (or basil) and mix again. These herbs will bring an authentic Mediterranean taste to the dish.
7. Baking in the oven
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it bake at low heat for about 1 hour. This is the time when the flavors infuse and the meat becomes extremely tender.
8. Adding the vegetables
After an hour, remove the pot from the oven and add the bell pepper and olives. Gently stir to distribute them evenly and place the pot back on low heat. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes until the meat is very soft and the sauce has thickened.
9. Adjusting the taste
Finally, adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be stingy with the spices; they are what will bring out the flavors of this dish.
Serving suggestions
This savory dish pairs wonderfully with yellow risotto or plain rice. You can add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the meal. If you want to impress, you can serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the pork tenderloin with chicken or turkey. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to enrich the dish.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork, while tomatoes and olives add antioxidants and healthy fats. Garlic, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, also contributes to a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, beef can be used, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to check the tenderness of the meat.
2. What type of red wine is best?
A dry red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, will add a pleasant flavor to the dish.
3. Can the dish be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Make sure to remove it from the pot and store it in an airtight container. When you want to consume it, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.
This Mediterranean-flavored recipe is not only simple and accessible but also full of flavor, perfect for bringing a touch of summer to every meal. So don’t hesitate and get ready to enjoy a delicacy worthy of the most beautiful culinary memories!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 600 g pork tenderloin, cut into medium-sized pieces
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 can peeled tomatoes (about 400 g), chopped or 450 g fresh peeled tomatoes
- 1 glass of red wine (about 200 ml)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped oregano (or basil)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 100 g green olives stuffed with pimentos, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pot that can also be used in the oven
Preparation steps
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This will ensure even cooking for your meat, helping you achieve a tender and juicy texture.
2. Searing the meat
In a pot, add the olive oil and heat it over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pieces of pork tenderloin. Sear the meat on all sides until it turns golden. This is an essential step, as searing the meat helps retain the juices inside, making it more tender.
3. Adding the onion
After the meat has browned nicely, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step will add a sweet flavor to the dish.
4. Including the garlic and cornstarch
Add the chopped garlic and sauté it with the onion for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch and mix well to combine. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce later.
5. Adding the tomatoes and wine
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and mix everything together. Then, gradually add the red wine, stirring constantly. The wine will add a complex note of flavor and help lift the aromas from the pot.
6. Seasoning
Sprinkle with green oregano (or basil) and mix again. These herbs will bring an authentic Mediterranean taste to the dish.
7. Baking in the oven
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it bake at low heat for about 1 hour. This is the time when the flavors infuse and the meat becomes extremely tender.
8. Adding the vegetables
After an hour, remove the pot from the oven and add the bell pepper and olives. Gently stir to distribute them evenly and place the pot back on low heat. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes until the meat is very soft and the sauce has thickened.
9. Adjusting the taste
Finally, adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be stingy with the spices; they are what will bring out the flavors of this dish.
Serving suggestions
This savory dish pairs wonderfully with yellow risotto or plain rice. You can add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the meal. If you want to impress, you can serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the pork tenderloin with chicken or turkey. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to enrich the dish.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork, while tomatoes and olives add antioxidants and healthy fats. Garlic, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, also contributes to a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, beef can be used, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to check the tenderness of the meat.
2. What type of red wine is best?
A dry red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, will add a pleasant flavor to the dish.
3. Can the dish be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Make sure to remove it from the pot and store it in an airtight container. When you want to consume it, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.
This Mediterranean-flavored recipe is not only simple and accessible but also full of flavor, perfect for bringing a touch of summer to every meal. So don’t hesitate and get ready to enjoy a delicacy worthy of the most beautiful culinary memories!