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PORK TENDERLOIN WITH LENTIL PUREE AND GRILLED TOMATO COULIS

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
PORK TENDERLOIN WITH LENTIL PUREE AND GRILLED TOMATO COULIS

PORK TENDERLOIN WITH LENTIL PUREE AND GRILLED TOMATO COULIS

Experience a delicious, balanced meal perfect for a special workday lunch or dinner. Tender pork tenderloin slices cooked with bacon and chili butter, served alongside creamy red lentil puree and a fresh grilled tomato coulis.

πŸ•’ Prep Time: 20 min

🍳 Cook Time: 40 min
🍽️ Servings: 4

πŸ₯„ Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:

  • 1 pork tenderloin
  • 1 generous tablespoon butter
  • 50 g bacon, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (preferably piment d’Espelette)
  • A little oil for coating the meat
  • Salt, to taste

For the Lentil Puree:

  • 200 g red lentils
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or a small fresh thyme sprig)
  • 25 g butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Tomato Coulis:

  • 4 medium tomatoes
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • A little oil for brushing
  • Salt, to taste

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ Instructions

1. Prepare the Lentil Puree

  • Rinse lentils under cold water until water runs clear.
  • Place lentils in a pot with plenty of water. Add salt, torn bay leaf, and thyme (use leaves only if fresh).
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer gently until lentils are fully cooked (some lentils may burst, this is fine).
  • Drain lentils, reserving about 150 ml of cooking water, and remove bay leaf.
  • Transfer lentils to a blender or food processor. Add butter cubes, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
  • Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Check consistency; if too thick, blend while gradually adding reserved cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft creamy texture is achieved (about 4 tablespoons water).
  • Lentil puree can be prepared hours ahead and reheated; if thickened on cooling, add reserved water when reheating to loosen.

2. Prepare the Tomato Coulis

  • Slice tomatoes into thick rounds and brush with oil.
  • Heat a grill pan until very hot. Grill tomatoes about 4 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other.
  • Transfer grilled tomatoes to a bowl, sprinkle with sea salt, and let cool completely.
  • Drain excess juice from the bottom.
  • Using a fork, mash tomatoes into a coarse puree, removing skins and any tough cores that do not mash easily.
  • Stir in balsamic vinegar gently and set aside.

3. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin

  • Slice tenderloin into thin slices about 1-1.5 cm thick (approximately 15 slices).
  • Lightly pound slices between plastic wrap to an even thinness, like for schnitzels.
  • Season lightly with salt, drizzle with a bit of oil, and massage to coat evenly.
  • Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet until very hot.
  • Add pork slices in batches without overcrowding; cook 45 seconds on the first side and 15 seconds on the second side until lightly browned in spots but still juicy.
  • Transfer cooked slices to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.

You can pause here and continue assembling when ready to serve; reheat lentil puree as needed.

4. Finish the Pork in Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add bacon strips and cook until slightly crisp.
  • Add butter and chili flakes; cook until butter melts.
  • Return pork slices to the pan and toss gently in the butter and bacon mixture for about 2 minutes to warm and coat.
  • Add remaining butter and stir until melted, then remove from heat.

5. Plate and Serve

  • For each serving, spoon two generous tablespoons of lentil puree onto the plate.
  • Arrange 2-3 pork slices on top, adding some bacon pieces from the pan.
  • Add a quarter of the tomato coulis beside the pork.
  • Drizzle the remaining buttery sauce from the pan over the coulis.

πŸ’‘ Tips

  • Keep the pork slices thin and cook quickly for tender results.
  • Reserve cooking water from lentils to adjust puree consistency when reheating.
  • Grilled tomato coulis adds smoky freshness balancing the rich pork and creamy lentils.
  • Use good quality butter and bacon for optimal flavor.

πŸŽ‰ Perfect For

  • Special office lunches or home dinners
  • Balanced meals combining protein, legumes, and fresh vegetables
  • Comfort food with a gourmet twist

πŸ“ Final Thoughts

This pork tenderloin dish with creamy red lentil puree and grilled tomato coulis offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s a sophisticated yet simple meal ideal for making any day special.