Pork tenderloin with cherry sauce and rustic mashed potatoes

Pork tenderloin with cherry sauce and rustic mashed potatoes

Preparation Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the pork tenderloin:

• 2 pork tenderloins (approximately 500 g each)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

For the cherry sauce:

• 300 g of pitted cherries
• 100 ml of red wine
• 50 g of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the rustic mashed potatoes:

• 800 g of potatoes
• 50 g of butter
• 100 ml of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chives, chopped

Instructions:

For the pork tenderloin:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season the pork tenderloins with salt and pepper, and sear them in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until well browned.
4. Add the minced garlic and rosemary sprig to the skillet.
5. Transfer the tenderloins to a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through but still juicy.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For the cherry sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, red wine, sugar, and balsamic vinegar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture reduces, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the dissolved cornstarch and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the rustic mashed potatoes:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into large chunks.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the butter and milk, and mash with a potato masher until you achieve a coarse, rustic texture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped chives.

To serve:

1. Place a portion of rustic mashed potatoes on each plate.
2. Add several slices of pork tenderloin on top of the mashed potatoes.
3. Pour a generous amount of cherry sauce over the tenderloin.
4. Garnish with additional chopped chives if desired.