Aromatic spices are rubbed on the pork loin before it is cooked. It is served with a tart Pomegranate Balsamic vinegar sauce.
- 3/4 TSP ground cumin
- 3/4 TSP ground coriander
- 3/4 TSP Spice House brand smoked paprika {or substitute black pepper}
- 3/4 TSP garlic powder
- 1/2 TSP ground cinnamon
- 1/2 TSP salt
- 2 pork tenderloins {each about 3/4 lb}
- 2 TBSP Arbequina or other lightly flavored EVOO
- 1/2 cup plain pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup Olive Tap Pomegranate or Aceto Balsamico de Modena Balsamic Vinegar
- 3/4 TSP cornstarch
- 1 TBSP water
- 1 TBSP unsalted butter
Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, cinnamon and salt in a shallow bowl. Pat tenderloins dry and rub with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a 12 inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot {but not smoking}. Reduce heat to moderate and cook pork, turning occasionally, until meat is browned on all sides and a meat thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit {20-25 minutes}. Transfer pork with tongs to cutting board {reserve skillet} and let stand 10 minutes.
While pork stands, pour off and discard any fat from skillet, then add the pomegranate juice and Balsamic Vinegar to skillet and low boil over moderately high heat until reduced to about 2/3 cup, about 3 minutes {if side of skillet begins to scorch, reduce heat to moderate}. Stir together cornstarch and water and whisk into juice, then boil sauce until thickened slightly, 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and then swirl in butter until incorporated. Season with salt. Slice pork and serve with sauce.
Makes 4 servings.
Adapted from a recipe in Gourmet November 2006
