Oven-baked tenderloin with mushrooms and carrots

Pork Tenderloin Baked with Mushrooms and Carrots: A Simple and Refined Delight

When it comes to delicious and comforting dishes, baked pork tenderloin with mushrooms and carrots is at the top of many people's preferences. This recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavor, capable of transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable feast. Throughout history, baked meat dishes have been appreciated for their intense aroma and for how the ingredients perfectly combine during slow cooking. Today, I invite you to discover this delicious recipe with me!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 800 g lean pork tenderloin
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 jar (approx. 400 g) whole mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms, if preferred)
- 250 g peeled tomatoes in tomato sauce
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5-6 tablespoons of white wine (optional, but recommended for added flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork tenderloin under a stream of cold water. Then, use a kitchen towel to pat it dry, removing excess water. It is important for the meat to be well-dried to brown nicely in the oven.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Peel the carrot, wash it well, and slice it into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can also opt for grated carrot, but the rounds hold their texture better during baking. Next, wash the mushrooms and cut them into thicker slices, so they do not break down during cooking. The peeled tomatoes in tomato sauce will add a rich flavor, so make sure to chop them finely.

3. Preparing the garlic: Peel the 5 cloves of garlic and crush them using a knife or a mortar. The garlic will provide a wonderful taste to the dish, so don’t skip this step!

4. Assembling the dish: Take a baking dish and grease it with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the pieces of pork tenderloin in the dish, making sure to season them with salt and pepper to taste. Then, layer the slices of mushrooms and rounds of carrot on top of the meat.

5. Adding the tomatoes and garlic: Pour the chopped tomatoes and crushed garlic over the vegetables and meat. These ingredients will create a delicious sauce that will infuse the meat with incredible flavors.

6. The wine: In a small bowl, mix the white wine with a few drops of water, then pour the mixture into the dish, being careful not to drown the meat. This will help tenderize the meat and add a sophisticated flavor.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let it bake for about 45 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and let it brown for another 15 minutes to achieve a delicious crust.

8. Serving: Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the juices in the meat to redistribute, making it more tender. You can serve the tenderloin alongside sauerkraut, an excellent choice that will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the spice mix.
- Instead of jarred mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms, but make sure to prepare them properly to remove excess moisture.
- This recipe can also be adapted with other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to add more variety.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork tenderloin is a rich source of lean protein, essential for the development and maintenance of muscle mass. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, while mushrooms provide antioxidants and fiber. This dish is ideal for a healthy and hearty dinner.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken breast, but the baking time will be shorter.

2. What type of wine is recommended?
A dry white wine is most suitable, but you can also use red wine, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
By adding hot peppers or chili flakes to the spice mix, you will achieve a dish with a more intense flavor.

This baked pork tenderloin with mushrooms and carrots is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal. I encourage you to experiment with the recipe, adding your personal touches, and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!