Pork Tenderloin with Charred Tomatillo

Ingredients:

For the Pork Tenderloin:

  • 2 lbs (about 1 kg) pork tenderloin

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Charred Tomatillo Salsa:

  • 1 lb (about 450g) tomatillos, husks removed and washed

  • 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into thick slices

  • 2 jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed

  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed

  • Juice of 2 limes

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

  • Cooked quinoa or rice

  • Avocado slices

  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

Pork Tenderloin:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  1. Season the Pork:

    • Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season it with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano.

  1. Sear the Pork:

    • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.

  1. Roast in the Oven:

    • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Charred Tomatillo Salsa:

  1. Char the Vegetables:

    • While the pork is roasting, place the tomatillos, red onion slices, jalapeños, and garlic cloves on a hot grill or under the broiler. Char them until they are softened and slightly blackened.

  1. Blend the Salsa:

    • In a blender or food processor, combine the charred tomatillos, red onion, jalapeños, and garlic. Add fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Serving:

  1. Serve with Quinoa or Rice:

    • Arrange cooked quinoa or rice on serving plates.

  1. Slice and Plate the Pork:

    • Slice the roasted pork tenderloin and place it on top of the quinoa or rice.

  1. Top with Salsa:

    • Spoon the charred tomatillo salsa over the sliced pork.

  1. Add Toppings:

    • Garnish with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

  1. Serve with Lime Wedges:

    • Serve the dish with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Presentation:

  • Drizzle of Olive Oil: Finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

  • Microgreens or Edible Flowers: Add a touch of elegance with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers for visual appeal.