Healthy cold cuts at home

Healthy Homemade Cold Cuts Recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn’t love a platter of savory and healthy cold cuts? Today, I invite you to discover how you can prepare delicious pork cold cuts right in the comfort of your home! This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it also gives you the opportunity to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthy and tasty final product.

Recipe History
The preparation of pork in various forms is an ancient tradition, dating back to the earliest times. People discovered that by seasoning and slow cooking, they could transform a simple piece of meat into a savory delight. The recipe we will follow today blends tradition with innovation, offering you a healthy cold cut, perfect for breakfast or to be added to sandwiches.

Ingredients
- 1 kg pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon mustard (preferably Dijon or classic)
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili (optional, for a spicy taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Various spices (such as salt and pepper)
- 3 tablespoons oil for frying

Necessary Utensils
- Non-stick frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Storage container
- Aluminum foil (optional, to cover the meat during baking)

Instructions

1. Preparing the tenderloin
Start by trimming the pork tenderloin of fat. This will help achieve a healthier cold cut. Cut the tenderloin in half lengthwise.

2. Preparing the marinade
In a small bowl, combine the mustard, olive oil, cold water, basil, oregano, chili, sweet paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste.

3. Coating the tenderloin
Using a kitchen brush or spoon, coat the two pieces of tenderloin with the marinade mixture. Make sure each portion is well covered so that the flavors penetrate the meat.

4. Frying the tenderloin
In a non-stick frying pan, add one tablespoon of oil and let it heat well. Once the oil is hot, add the tenderloin and fry each side for about 1 minute, until it develops a light brown crust. If you prefer to fry the pieces separately, remember to change the oil for each portion.

5. Baking the tenderloin
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tenderloin in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil (optional), and bake for 25-30 minutes on low heat. This step will help cook the meat evenly and retain its juices.

6. Slicing and serving
Once the baking time is up, remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to slice it thinly.

7. Serving suggestions
You can serve these healthy cold cuts alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a sauerkraut salad with pepper for a contrast of flavors. Additionally, the thin slices can be successfully used in sandwiches, adding a layer of cheese or fresh vegetables.

Customized version
If you want to experiment, you can add other spices or herbs to the marinade, such as rosemary or sage. You can also replace the mustard with a honey-mustard glaze for a sweet-spicy flavor.

Nutritional benefits
Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle development and maintaining health. The spices used not only enhance the flavor but also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, the recipe can also be adapted for chicken. The baking time will be shorter, so make sure to check the cooking.
- How can I store the cold cuts? They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze the cold cuts? Yes, you can freeze the slices of tenderloin. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezing.

Complementary servings
These healthy cold cuts pair wonderfully with a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or fresh lemonade. Also, for a more substantial meal, you can pair them with a serving of baked potatoes or a quinoa salad.

Enjoy your meal! May you savor every bite of these healthy cold cuts made with love!

 Ingredients: 1 kg pork tenderloin, 1 tablespoon mustard, chili, basil, oregano, sweet paprika, 3 tablespoons oil, various spices, 1 tablespoon cold water (I used grilling spices) base for dishes