Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Maple Glaze
Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside; this pork tenderloin is a the perfect main course for any dinner party. I like to buy my pork fresh from Blackbelly, a local butcher here in Boulder. Blackbelly works directly with local ranchers and their Heritage breed pigs are born, raised and slaughtered in Colorado. Pair this dish with my Colorful Herb Roasted Root Vegetables for a hearty, winter meal.
INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT: SWEET POTATOES
These sweet treats are a rich source of fiber and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Plus they’re high in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which can deter the aging process and they’re anti-inflammatory which helps protect against disease. Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile too! I’ve used them diced, roasted whole, mashed and spiralized in my kitchen. Plus they’re a natural thickener for sauces, gravies and other savory treats. For this glaze, I combine sweet potatoes with maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt and pepper for a warm, tasty and colorful finish.
Ingredients
Pork
2 ½ - 3 lbs. pork tenderloin, trimmed
3 T olive oil
½ t kosher salt
¼ t ground pepper
¼ t cayenne pepper
Glaze
1 c sweet potato puree (I recommend using organic, canned sweet potatoes for a fresh puree. Farmer's Market Foods makes a delicious variety.)
½ c pure maple syrup (Madhava Sweeteners in Longmont, Colorado have some wonderful sweet products!)
2 T Dijon mustard
1 t salt
½ t ground pepper
Instructions
Mix together the olive oil, salt, and peppers. Rub mixture all over tenderloin and place in ceramic baking dish. Cook at 375° for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let meat cool (it will continue to cook while cooling).
Combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan and mix well until heated and mixed thoroughly.
Cut meat in ½ inch slices on the diagonal. Lay 4 slices on each plate, tops over bottoms of each piece. Generously drizzle glaze over meat. It is helpful to use a squeeze bottle or baster to help with drizzling the glaze. Place remaining glaze in a small serving bowl with spoon on table for guests who want to add more sweetness to their dish! Serves 6.
