Pork roll with apricot sauce

Pork roll with apricot sauce – an elegant and savory dish, ideal for special occasions or a family weekend lunch. This simple recipe transforms pork tenderloin into a delicious meal, and the apricot sauce adds a sweet and tangy note that will delight any gourmet. The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and this recipe is sufficient for 4 servings.

Ingredients:
- 800 g pork tenderloin
- 150 g sliced bacon
- 100 g dried apricots
- 1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 250 ml white wine
- 200 g cooking cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the pork tenderloin: Start by cleaning the pork tenderloin of any membranes and fat. Use a sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, so that it opens like a book. This will allow the filling to be well distributed.

2. The filling: Place the slices of bacon over the cut pork tenderloin. The bacon will not only add a savory flavor but will also keep the meat moist during cooking. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and halved dried apricots over the bacon. The dried apricots will add a pleasant sweetness, while the parsley will provide a fresh taste.

3. Rolling and tying: Carefully roll the pork tenderloin so that the filling stays well inside. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll, making sure it is tightly secured. This step is essential to keep all the flavors inside during cooking.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the outside of the roll, then heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the roll in the skillet and brown it on all sides for 5-7 minutes, until it develops a golden crust.

5. Baking: Transfer the roll to a baking dish and pour the white wine over it. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. Check if it is cooked using a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should be around 70 degrees Celsius.

6. Preparing the sauce: Once the roll is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. While it rests, you can prepare the sauce. In the skillet where you browned the roll, add the cooking cream and Dijon mustard (if using) and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. You can also add some finely chopped dried apricots for extra flavor.

7. Serving: Slice the roll into pieces about 2 cm thick and serve it with the apricot sauce on top. This can be accompanied by mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables, which will perfectly complement the dish.

Practical tips:
- Choose high-quality dried apricots, as they will influence the final taste of the dish. You can experiment with other dried fruits, such as prunes or figs, to vary the flavors.
- The roll can be prepared a day in advance, and the next day, after being refrigerated, it can be reheated in the oven before serving. This will enhance the flavors.
- If you want a more complex flavor, you can also add some ground nuts to the filling for extra texture.

This pork roll with apricot sauce will surely become a favorite on your menu, easily combining elegance with simplicity. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: -800 g pork tenderloin-12 pieces of fresh unsmoked bacon-100 g dried apricots-2 bunches of parsley-butter for frying-salt, pepper-dried apricot-2 dl beef broth-1.5 dl apricot nectar-1.5 dl dry white wine (I only had rosé wine)-1 tablespoon butter-1 tablespoon flour-1 dl liquid cream with reduced fat-salt, pepper