Smoked meat, baked with carrots and boiled potatoes

Oven-smoked tenderloin with carrots and boiled potatoes

If you're tired of quick meals and want to enjoy a dish that combines tradition with refined flavor, then this recipe for oven-smoked tenderloin with carrots and boiled potatoes is exactly what you're looking for. Although it may seem simple, each step is an opportunity to discover a mix of flavors and textures that will make you feel like a true chef in your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 800-1000 g smoked tenderloin (ideally from pork, but you can also use other types of smoked meat, depending on your preferences)
- 3 medium carrots
- 6 medium potatoes (preferably new potatoes for a sweeter taste)
- 50 g butter
- 100 g grated cheese (sheep cheese or any other type you prefer)
- A handful of fresh parsley for decoration
- Salt, to taste

Recipe history:
The dish of oven-smoked tenderloin has deep roots in culinary tradition, often associated with family meals and celebrations. Smoking meat has been a preservation method used for generations, and this process adds a deep and unmistakable flavor. Combined with boiled vegetables, this dish becomes not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true visual feast.

Step 1: Preparing the tenderloin
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Place the piece of smoked tenderloin in a heat-resistant dish and add a cup of water. This will help maintain moisture during baking, ensuring that the tenderloin remains juicy. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
While the tenderloin is in the oven, it’s time to take care of the vegetables. Peel the carrots and potatoes, leaving the potatoes whole to boil with the skin on. This will keep the nutrients and provide a better texture. Boil the carrots in salted water for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Then, add the potatoes and boil for another 15-20 minutes. Check them with a knife to ensure they are ready.

Step 3: Cutting the vegetables
Once the carrots and potatoes are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Cut the carrots into rounds and peel the potatoes, then slice or round them, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Finishing the dish
After 20 minutes, take the tenderloin out of the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is perfectly juicy. Once rested, slice the tenderloin thinly.

Step 5: Serving
Arrange the slices of tenderloin on a platter, alongside the carrot and potato rounds. Place a cube of butter on top of the warm vegetables so that it melts and gives them a rich flavor. Sprinkle grated cheese over the vegetables and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serving suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cider. Additionally, a fresh green salad can add a pleasant contrast and a note of freshness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This dish is balanced, providing a considerable amount of protein from the smoked tenderloin and nutrients from the vegetables. A serving has approximately 450-500 calories, but this number may vary depending on the amount of butter and cheese used. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates essential for daily energy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use smoked chicken? Yes, but the cooking time may vary.
2. What else can I add to the vegetables? You can experiment with onions or peppers for an extra flavor boost.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace the smoked tenderloin with smoked tofu or tempeh.

Possible variations:
You can add spices like black pepper or rosemary for an extra flavor. Also, if you want a spicy note, you can sprinkle a little ground chili pepper over the vegetables before baking them.

Tips for a perfect result:
- Make sure the tenderloin is of high quality, preferably home-smoked, to achieve an authentic flavor.
- Use a deeper baking dish to avoid water spilling in the oven.
- Don’t forget to let the tenderloin rest before slicing it to enjoy all its juiciness.

This recipe for oven-smoked tenderloin with carrots and boiled potatoes is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. So, embrace each step and enjoy every bite!