Brined and
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Roasted New Potatoes
Asparagus with Lemon and Olive Oil
Cooking time: 40 minutes plus 10 earlier Cooking schedule: see below for instructions
Brining does wonderful things for meats like turkey and pork. This is a small cut so long times are not needed. We're still able to find those wonderful, creamy new potatoes.
Brined, Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total time: 40 minutes 10 minutes earlier
Brining keeps meat moist and tender during cooking and is particularly well-suited to pork. The tenderloin cooks quickly on the barbecue, and the rub adds even more flavors to it. Remember, slightly pink is now okay for pork, and over-cooking can ruin the best efforts....
Ingredients:
- 1 pork tenderloin, 14oz (420gr)
- The Brine:
- 2 cups very cold water or water and ice, mixed
- 2 tbs sea, kosher or other coarse salt
- 2 tbs brown sugar
- 2 tbs molasses
- The Rub:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
Instructions:
- Earlier in the day, at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours before cooking, mix water, salt, sugar and molasses in a deep bowl.
- Stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Add pork, making sure that it's totally covered. If not, you can put pork in large zip-lock bag and add brine.
- Refrigerate, turning occasionally, until ready to cook.
- When ready to cook, remove pork and pat dry with paper towels.
- Discard brine.
- Mix all ingredients for the rub and sprinkle on all sides of pork, patting it lightly to stick.
- Cook on barbecue grill for 15 - 20 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Internal temperature should reach 145F (62C) or until only slightly pink in center.
- Remove and let rest a few minutes.
- Carve into 1" (2.5cm) thick slices and serve. Could also be roasted in the oven, 400F (200C) 25 - 30 minutes.
Roasted New Potatoes with Chives
Total time: 35 minutes
New potatoes are early, tiny, immature potatoes of any color, usually 1" (2.5cm) or less in diameter. They have a high moisture content, are very creamy and usually cooked whole. If you can't get new potatoes, use regular potatoes, cut into 4ths or 6ths.
Ingredients:
- 12 - 18 new potatoes, depending on size enough for two people
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 tbs fresh chives, snipped
- salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Leave potatoes whole and unpeeled. Just wash lightly.
- Toss with oil, lightly salt and put into a baking dish large enough for them to be in a single layer.
- Bake at 400F for 30 minutes.
- Stir half way through baking time.
- Remove from oil and put into a small dish.
- Add butter and chives, toss to coat and serve.
Asparagus with Olive Oil and Lemon
Total time: 25 minutes
If the green asparagus is thick, peeling will help it cook faster and even the stalks will be tender. I always peel white. A quick dressing of olive oil and lemon lets the fresh asparagus shine!
Ingredients:
- 10oz (300gr) asparagus - more if you truly love it
- 1 - 2 tbs good olive oil
- 1 - 2 tbs fresh lemon juice (half of a lemon)
- salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Snap off ends of asparagus. If white use vegetable peeler and peel the bottom half of stalk, laying it flat to peel to prevent breaking.
- Put asparagus into a skillet big enough to hold them without cutting, add water to cover bottom by 1/4 inch, cover and bring to boil.
- Lower heat and cook just until done, 6 - 10 minutes, longer for white.
- When done drain and put into a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil and lemon.
- Add salt and pepper if desired and serve.
Cooking Schedule: 35 minutes
Assemble all food, utensils and serving dishes
Utensils: measuring cups, spoons, knives,
scissors, medium bowl (used 2X), baking dish,
small bowl dish for
brining, medium skillet with
lid,
barbecue grill
Earlier in the day: Mix ingredients for brine
Add pork to brine, refrigerate
Dinner time: Light/turn on barbecue grill
Turn oven on, 400F (200C)
Prepare new potatoes, but in baking dish, roast
Make rub for pork, rub on |
Trim asparagus
Snip all herbs
Start to cook pork
Pause while stuff cooks
Stir potatoes
Turn the pork
Start to cook asparagus
Pause again
Remove pork, let rest
Remove potatoes, finish
Finish asparagus
Slice pork and serve |