Pork muscle with baked potatoes

Delicious Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Oven-Baked Potatoes

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

I present to you a simple and flavorful recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a sense of comfort to your home. Pork tenderloin with oven-baked potatoes is an ideal dish for a family dinner or to impress your guests. Combining tender meat with the natural flavors of garlic and herbs, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a relaxing lunch or dinner.

A bit of history: Oven-cooked meat dishes have been part of culinary tradition throughout the centuries, appreciated for how flavors intensify through slow cooking. Pork tenderloin, known for its juicy texture and delicate taste, becomes even more delicious when paired with potatoes, a staple ingredient in many cultures.

Ingredients:
- 250 g seasoned pork tenderloin
- 1 green garlic stalk
- 500 g small new potatoes
- 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
- 1 teaspoon Delikat or other preferred seasoning
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley for garnish
- 100 ml water
- Olive oil for greasing the tray

Preparing the Pork Tenderloin with Oven-Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients you need. Make sure the pork tenderloin is pre-seasoned; you can use spices like salt, pepper, paprika, or simply let your imagination guide you. Clean and wash the new potatoes, ensuring you choose the smallest and prettiest ones for even baking. As for the garlic, use the white part to add flavor to the meat, while leaving the green part in the tray for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the tray
Preheat the oven to 155 degrees Celsius. Now, take a small tray and grease it with a drizzle of olive oil. This step will not only help prevent sticking but will also give a unique flavor to the dish. Place the pork tenderloin in the tray, being careful to score its surface with a sharp knife so that the flavors can penetrate better.

Step 3: Adding garlic and potatoes
Insert thin slices of garlic (the white part) into the slits of the pork tenderloin. Then, arrange the washed and peeled potatoes around the meat, making sure not to overlap them. It’s time to add the herbs de Provence, which will bring a Mediterranean aroma to the dish. Sprinkle Delikat or other preferred seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Cooking
Add 100 ml of water to the tray to maintain moisture during baking. Cover the tray with aluminum foil for the first part of the cooking process to prevent the meat from drying out. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 1 hour at 155 degrees Celsius.

Step 5: Checking and finishing
After 45 minutes, check the state of the meat. If the pork tenderloin is cooked (the meat should be tender and juicy), take it out of the tray and let it rest. This step is essential to keep the meat juicy. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain heat. While the meat rests, cover the tray with potatoes with aluminum foil and leave it in the oven to soften well. The potatoes will absorb the flavors left by the meat and garlic.

Step 6: Serving
Once the potatoes are tender, take the tray out of the oven. Arrange the potatoes on plates, add sliced pork tenderloin, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. You can serve this dish with tartar sauce, which will add a pleasant contrast to the flavor of the meat.

Serving suggestions and variations:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or onions, to the tray to diversify the flavor.
- If you’re looking for a more aromatic version, you can use sautéed or roasted garlic.
- I recommend pairing this dish with a dry white wine or a pale beer, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of protein, contributing to muscle mass development. Potatoes, rich in complex carbohydrates, provide sustainable energy. Garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a beneficial ingredient for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork tenderloin from another cut?
Yes, you can use other cuts of meat, but pork tenderloin is ideal due to its juiciness.

2. How can I tell when the meat is cooked?
Use a kitchen thermometer; the ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 70-75 degrees Celsius.

3. What if I don’t have herbs de Provence?
You can substitute with a combination of oregano, rosemary, and thyme for a similar taste.

This pork tenderloin recipe with oven-baked potatoes is not only simple but also a true feast for the senses. Enjoy the aroma and taste of these simple yet flavorful ingredients. Bon appétit!