Tag: spicy pesto

  • Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Southwest Pesto and Spanish Rice

    Pesto:
    2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
    1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
    1/4 cup toasted pecans
    2 cloves garlic, peeled
    1/4 cup lime juice
    1/4 cup fresh clementine or orange juice
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    1/2 cup canola oil

    Spanish rice:
    1 teaspoon olive oil
    1/2 cup diced onions
    1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
    1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
    1 tablespoon chopped garlic
    3 cups chicken stock
    2 cups basmati rice
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
    4 (8-ounce) pork tenderloins

    Prepare the pesto by combining all of the ingredients in a food processor and blending well.

    To prepare the Spanish rice, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium

    heat. Saute the onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook for

    approximately 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and rice to the pot and

    stir gently. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20

    minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    In a hot skillet, sear all of the pork tenderloins to seal in the juices

    and finish cooking in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. When ready, slice

    against grain of meat and serve.

    To plate, place a spoonful of the

    rice on a plate, top with slices of pork tenderloin, and drizzle some

    of the pesto on top of the pork. Garnish with cilantro.