Pork tenderloin in bacon crust
Pork Tenderloin Wrapped in Bacon with Savory Sauce and Delicious Polenta
In a world full of complex recipes and sophisticated dishes, there are moments when we want to indulge ourselves with a meal worthy of a five-star restaurant, right from the comfort of our home. Today, I invite you to prepare a pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon, with a flavorful sauce and creamy polenta, all under the step-by-step guidance of an experienced chef. This recipe is not only delicious but also adds a touch of refinement to everyday meals.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g pork tenderloin (recommended from Selgros Butcheries for superior quality)
- 20 g garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
- 100 g bacon (thinly sliced)
- 35 ml thyme-infused olive oil
- 400 ml chicken broth (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 50 g liquid cream
- 150 g cornmeal
- 20 g blue cheese (or bleu cheese for an intense flavor)
- 25 g goat cheese (for a touch of freshness)
- 20 g parmesan (finely grated for added flavor)
- 50 ml sweet wine (choose a good quality one)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Brief History of the Recipe
Pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon is a recipe that combines tradition with modernity. The bacon, used as a main ingredient, adds a rich flavor and a crispy texture, while polenta, an emblematic dish, is often associated with hearty family meals. This recipe is perfect for special occasions but also for a weekend dinner when you want to impress family or friends.
Preparation Method
1. Preparing the Tenderloin:
- Start by cleaning the pork tenderloin of any membranes and washing it well under cold water. Dry it with paper towels.
- Cut the garlic into quarters. With a sharp knife, make small incisions in the tenderloin and insert a quarter of garlic into each incision. This will infuse the meat with the unmistakable aroma of garlic.
2. Wrapping in Bacon:
- Wrap the tenderloin in bacon slices, making sure it is evenly covered. This will create a delicious crust and keep the meat juicy during cooking.
- In a deep skillet, heat the thyme-infused olive oil over medium heat. Add the tenderloin and brown it on all sides for 3-4 minutes, until the bacon becomes crispy.
3. Baking in the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the browned tenderloin in a baking dish and put it in the oven for 10 minutes. This step will help cook the meat evenly while keeping it juicy.
4. Preparing the Sauce:
- In the same skillet where you browned the tenderloin, add the sweet wine and the juices released from the meat during baking. Let it simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Add a little of the chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Preparing the Polenta:
- In a pot, bring 400 ml of chicken broth to a boil. When it starts boiling, add the cornmeal in a rain, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat and continue stirring until the polenta becomes creamy and pulls away from the pot's sides.
- Finally, incorporate the liquid cream and the cheeses (blue cheese, goat cheese, and parmesan), mixing well to combine the flavors.
6. Serving:
- Once the tenderloin is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thick pieces.
- On each plate, place a serving of warm polenta, the slices of tenderloin, and drizzle with the prepared sauce. You can garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for an attractive appearance.
Practical Tips
- Choosing Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality pork to achieve a tasty dish. The bacon should also be of good quality to add the desired flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese in the polenta, such as feta or mozzarella, for a different taste.
- Serving: This recipe pairs wonderfully with a dry red wine that will complement the intense flavors of the meat and sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute the pork tenderloin with chicken breast or turkey, but the cooking time will change.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce while cooking the sauce for an extra kick.
3. Can I prepare the polenta in advance?
- Of course, the polenta can be prepared in advance and reheated. Add a little water or milk to rehydrate it and restore its creaminess.
Conclusion
Now that you have gone through each step of this pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon and polenta recipe, you are ready to impress! Don't forget to savor the moment and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: Ingredients (4 servings) 500 g pork tenderloin 20 g garlic 100 g bacon 35 ml thyme-infused olive oil 400 ml poultry broth 50 g liquid cream 150 g cornmeal 20 g blue cheese 25 g goat cheese 20 g parmesan 50 ml sweet wine salt, pepper
