Pork Roasted the way the Tuscans Do

I've posted about this method of preparing pork tenderloin before... you can see the previous post by clicking HERE.

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This is my entry for this week's Saturday Blog Showcase.

I hope you'll please join us!

Hosted on alternate Saturdays by my friends Ann, of Thibeault's Table and Lori, of All That Splatters.

(clickable links)



It's Ann's turn to host this week ~ please click HERE to read more about Saturday Blog Showcase, and to visit this week's participants.
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I have been a fan of Joanne Weir (click) for quite a while, and I was so pleased when our friend Monique introduced me to this recipe a couple of years ago.

It's absolutely delicious! Don't feel locked into this combination of herbs, you can play around with it and add any herbs or flavoring ingredients you like. (Pesto, Tapenade, sundried tomatoes, etc.) It's great meal at home, but also perfect picnic fare.

For a PRINTABLE copy of the recipe, you can find it on my recipe blog by clicking HERE.

Pork Roasted the Way the Tuscan Do ~

Joanne Weir's recipe

4 servings .
Joanne says: "This is a wonderful and easy technique for pork roasted inside a baguette with wonderful fresh herbs and of course garlic and olive oil! I'm sure this will become a favorite of yours too - it's great to bring on a picnic lunch!"

Preheat oven to 375-degrees (F)

2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage

2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon fennel pollen (My notes: I omit because it is not readily available)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and sinewy tissue

1 loaf crusty baguette

Optional ~ about 3 to 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Method:
Mince sage, rosemary, pepper, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and fennel pollen (if using) together, spread out on the work surface for later, the sear the pork as follows:

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Place the pork in the pan and cook, turning occasionally until it is golden brown on all sides (this will take about 8 to 10 minutes.)

If you you like, at this point you can smear the seared pork with Dijon mustard before rolling in the herbs. (This step adds a bit of moistness to the meat, which I prefer.)

Roll the pork in the herb mixture and set aside. Next cut, or slit the baguette in half the long way and scoop out most of the soft insides. Brush the inside of the baguette with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Nestle the pork on the inside of the baguette so that the pork is well enclosed.

Trim off the excess ends of the bread. With kitchen twine tie the bread to secure the pork at 1 to 2 inch intervals.
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Place the pork on a baking sheet and roast until done, 145 to 155°F (when instant read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin) About 25 to 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven, allow to rest 10 minutes.

Remove the strings and cut into slices. It's wonderful warm, and is flavorful enough to serve at room temperature as well.

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All stuffed and tied, ready for the oven. No need to be particular as to how you tie it, the aim is to keep the pork securely in the bread while roasting.

Easy to slice and serve, and the mustard makes the pork moist and tender.

I served it with a simple fresh salad, I particularly like it with herb roasted mixed vegetables or ratatouille.

For a printable copy click HERE to go to my recipe blog.
I'm also participating in Foodie Friday ~ please stop by our host's blog ~

Designs by Gollum to see all kinds of visual treats! Thanks for hosting us Michael.


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