Pork Roll in a crust of walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds

Pork Roll in Nut, Hazelnut, and Almond Crust - A Delightful Dish Easy to Prepare

Welcome to our kitchen, where we will explore a savory recipe together, perfect for a festive meal or simply to treat your family on a special evening! The pork roll in a crust of nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds is a delicious combination of textures and flavors, blending succulent meat with a crispy crust, all accompanied by rosemary fries.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 pork tenderloin (600-700 g long and thin)
- 2 thin Oltenian sausages
- 1 carrot
- 1 thin leek
- 100 g bacon, to wrap the tenderloin
- 150 g almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts (together)
- 100 g butter
- Paprika, salt, pepper, oil
- Fresh rosemary
- 1 head of garlic
- 6-8 slices of bacon, to wrap the tenderloin
- 1 ½ cups of red wine
- A thin sprig of fir
- 5 medium potatoes

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes well, then boil them in a pot of salted water. Add a splash of vinegar to prevent them from breaking. The boiling should last about 15-20 minutes, so the potatoes are nearly cooked but not completely mushy. This step is essential for peeling and cutting them later.

2. Preparing the Tenderloin:
Using a meat mallet, gently pound the tenderloin to flatten it. Brush it with a little olive oil and sprinkle salt and paprika all over. Place the sausages, thin slices of carrot, the cut leek, and diced bacon in the middle of the tenderloin. Don’t forget to cut the garlic in half; leave it in this form to avoid discoloring the meat.

3. Forming the Roll:
Carefully roll up the tenderloin, ensuring to enclose the ingredients inside. Tie the roll with kitchen twine, making sure it is tightly secured so it doesn't come apart during baking.

4. Preparing the Crust:
In a blender, add the nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds and blend well until you get a fine mixture. Brush the roll with a little oil and roll it in this nut mixture, covering it evenly. Then place the slices of bacon over the roll for added flavor and crunchy texture.

5. Preparing the Sauce:
In a baking dish, add oil, red wine, and the crushed head of garlic. Place the roll in the dish, covering it with aluminum foil. Put the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 35 minutes.

6. Finishing the Baking:
After 35 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking the roll for another 15-25 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy. If necessary, add a little water to the dish to prevent drying out.

7. Preparing the Fried Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are boiled, peel them and cut them into rounds. Season them with paprika and rosemary, then fry them over low heat in a pan with a little oil until they turn golden and crispy. After frying, place them on paper towels to remove excess fat.

8. Preparing the Final Sauce:
After removing the roll from the oven, take the crispy bacon slices, break them, and put them in the blender. Blend until they become a fine paste. In a pan, add 100 g of butter, 3 crushed garlic cloves, and a little wine, mixing gradually. Also add the remaining sauce from the dish where the meat was and simmer everything for 5 minutes. You will get a rich and flavorful sauce that will perfectly accompany the roll.

9. Serving:
Slice the roll, being careful to remove the kitchen twine. Serve 3-4 slices of the roll alongside the rosemary and paprika potatoes, drizzling with the prepared sauce. You can decorate the plate with a splash of balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of honey, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan for an elegant finish.

Personal Notes and Variations:
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can experiment with different types of nuts or add herbs like sage or thyme for a distinct flavor. You can also replace the bacon with ham if you prefer a leaner version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of protein, while nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, benefiting heart health. Potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates, and garlic is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the pork tenderloin with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

2. How can I store the roll for longer?
The roll can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap for 2-3 days or frozen for later consumption.

3. What other dishes can it be paired with?
This roll pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or grilled vegetables like zucchini or peppers.

Enjoy your meal! This recipe for pork roll in a crust of nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds is not only an interesting choice for a special meal but also an opportunity to impress your guests with your culinary skills. Don’t forget to share your experiences in preparing this delicious roll!