Portuguese Pork Tenderloin

Indulge in the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine with this delightful recipe for Portuguese Pork Tenderloin. Inspired by a cooking school experience in Portugal, this version of the recipe has been adapted to be lighter, reducing the amount of olive oil and heavy cream used. Enjoy the savory taste of Miguel’s roast without any guilt.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¾ teaspoon pepper, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 cups dry red wine or chicken broth
• ¼ cup tawny port wine or grape juice
• 1 cup pitted dried plums
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• Additional fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, drizzle the potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of pepper and ¼ teaspoon of salt, and toss to coat evenly.
3. Transfer the coated potatoes to a greased 15×10-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the red wine (or chicken broth), port wine (or grape juice), dried plums, and rosemary sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the liquid is reduced to about 1 cup, which should take around 25-30 minutes. Remove the rosemary sprigs and discard. Transfer the mixture to a blender, cover, and process until smooth. Set aside.
5. Sprinkle the pork tenderloin cubes with the remaining pepper and salt. In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Brown the pork cubes in the skillet, then remove them and keep them warm.
6. To the skillet, add the reduced-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and the plum mixture. Cook over medium-low heat until the ingredients are well blended.
7. Return the browned pork cubes to the skillet and cook and stir for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink.
8. Serve the cooked pork and sauce with the roasted potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.

YIELD: 4 servings

COOKING TIME: 40 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Remember to discard the rosemary sprigs before blending the plum mixture.
• Stir the pork occasionally while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.

TIPS:

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the pork tenderloin cubes in the plum mixture for a few hours before cooking.
• Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Portuguese Pork Tenderloin offers a delicious taste of Portugal with a lighter twist. This recipe, inspired by a cooking school experience, has been modified to reduce the amount of olive oil and heavy cream, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of tender pork tenderloin, flavorful plum sauce, and roasted potatoes creates a truly satisfying meal.

The large populations of people with Portuguese heritage in the New England area, particularly in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, make this recipe a perfect way to celebrate and enjoy the culinary traditions of the region. With a prep time of 20 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, this dish can be prepared relatively quickly, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

To enhance the flavors, marinating the pork tenderloin cubes in the plum mixture before cooking is an excellent option. The succulent meat pairs perfectly with the smooth and tangy plum sauce. Serve the Portuguese Pork Tenderloin with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Whether you have Portuguese heritage or simply enjoy exploring different cuisines, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a taste of Portugal. With its lighter approach, you can savor the flavors of Miguel’s roast without any guilt. Try this recipe and transport your taste buds to the vibrant world of Portuguese cuisine!