Discover the taste of the South with this succulent Apple-Stuffed Pork Loin recipe, where the juiciness of the pork combines with the sweetness of apples, creating a meal that’s brimming with flavor and elegance.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 apples, such as Granny Smith, cored and sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Kitchen twine for tying the loin
Preparing the Pork Loin:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Filling:
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the sliced apples and cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, herbs, and chicken broth, cooking until the mixture is moistened. Let it cool slightly.
- Butterfly the Pork:
- Butterfly the pork tenderloin by slicing it down the middle, not all the way through, so that it opens like a book.
- Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness with a meat mallet.
- Stuff the Pork:
- Season the inside of the pork with salt and pepper.
- Spread the apple mixture over the pork, leaving a border along the edges.
- Roll up the pork loin tightly and secure it with kitchen twine.
- Sear the Pork:
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
- Bake:
- Transfer the pork to a roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin reads 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the pork into rounds and serve.
This Apple-Stuffed Pork Loin is an impressive main dish that marries the rich taste of pork with the subtle sweetness and fruity flavors of apples, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or festive occasion.