Pork tenderloin is one of the most appreciated meats for its flavor and soft texture. It can be cooked in different ways, from whole pieces to cook in the oven to medallions to grill or prepare stews.
The accompaniments, such as the Manchego cheese and quince jelly in this recipe, can also be very varied and original.
If a holiday or special celebration is coming up and you feel like cooking something different, try this sirloin steak. The combination of flavors is sure to delight your guests.
How to prepare pork tenderloin with manchego cheese and quince sauce
This is not a complicated recipe, but as we are going to cook the whole and stuffed piece, it is advisable to have all the utensils ready beforehand, such as the kitchen string or the mesh to tie the meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork tenderloin in one piece
- 1 head of garlic
- 175 g of manchego cheese
- 150 g quince jelly
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 2 teaspoons of sage
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- 200 ml of sweet wine
- A knob of butter
Elaboration:
- Preheat the oven to 220 °C.
- Ask the butcher to open the piece of sirloin in half lengthwise, as if it were a book.
- Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
- Cut the cheese and quince jelly into slices and place them alternating on one side of the tenderloin.
- Sprinkle with sage to give a unique taste to the preparation, and close the tenderloin. Tie it so that the stuffing does not come out. This can be done with kitchen string or mesh.
- In a frying pan without oil, sear the tenderloin on both sides.
- Place the halved head of garlic, thyme, and olive oil on a baking tray.
- Place the piece of sirloin on top and brush it with olive oil. You can do this by hand or with a brush.
- Put the tray in the oven for 20 minutes. After that time, reduce the temperature to 200 °C and roast for another 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of oven.
- Remove the piece of sirloin and let it rest to remove the threads and cut it into slices.
- Make a sauce by heating the roast juice and the peeled garlic. Add the sweet wine and a knob of butter. Grind it all and serve the sirloin with a little sauce on top.
Nutritional properties of pork tenderloin
Pork is often targeted because it is considered unhealthy. There are even dietary plans that leave it aside. However, numerous studies show its beneficial properties for our health, especially if it comes from Iberian pork.
To begin with, sirloin is a lean part whose fats increase cholesterol (HDL) and levels and reduce cholesterol (LDL). Therefore, it has protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
Sirloin is also meat rich in micronutrients such as potassium and B vitamins. All of them are necessary for good muscles, strong bones, and active defenses.
Why introduce manchego cheese and quince into the diet?
Both foods complement each other very well when served together. But they are also very complete, nutritionally speaking, so they should be part of our regular diet.
Manchego cheese provides energy and protein and is rich in nutrients necessary for our bodies. Like all dairy products, it is rich in calcium, an essential mineral for strengthening bones and combating osteoporosis. But it is also rich in other micronutrients that slow disease onset: vitamins A, D, and E, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Even people who are lactose intolerant can eat it without problems, as it does not contain lactose.
As for quince, it is a fruit with abundant benefits. However, it is mainly marketed as cream (or quince jam), which manufacturers often add large amounts of sugar. So, to avoid ingesting many calories, you should limit its consumption.
Quince contains pectin and mucilage, a soluble fiber that improves intestinal transit and fat absorption. It also has astringent properties, which are very useful in diarrhea.
Moreover, it is a fruit that helps regulate cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure, reduces fluid retention, and is a good expectorant.
