Spiced Cumin Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Apple Chutney
This flavorful Spiced Cumin Pork Tenderloin is marinated in a blend of dark brown sugar, cumin, and cider vinegar to create a sweet and savory profile. Paired with a homemade apricot apple chutney that offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, this dish will impress your family or guests at any gathering. The chutney combines dried apricots, fresh apples, and spices, resulting in a sweet and tangy accompaniment that elevates the tender, juicy pork. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe requires a minimum of 30 minutes for marination and allows the pork and chutney to be prepared simultaneously, making your cooking experience seamless and efficient.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons (pack down before measuring)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Cider vinegar
2 teaspoons (for marinating)
Salt
1 dash (to taste)
Pork tenderloin
1 lb (trimmed of fat)
Cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the pan)
Dried apricots
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Onion
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Raisins
⅓ cup (preferably golden)
Cider vinegar
⅓ cup (for chutney)
Pumpkin pie spice
¼ tablespoon (for seasoning)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (powdered)
Crushed red pepper flakes
⅛ teaspoon (for a hint of spice)
Golden Delicious apple
1 cup (peeled and coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, combine dark brown sugar, cumin, pepper, cider vinegar, and salt, stirring well to create a marinade.
2
Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin and place it in the marinade. Turn the pork to ensure it is evenly coated.
3
Cover and refrigerate the marinating pork for at least 30 minutes, turning it occasionally for even flavor absorption.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and discard the marinade. Place the pork on a broiler pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork.
5
Bake the pork in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the meat thermometer registers 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing it into thin rounds.
6
While the pork is baking, prepare the chutney. In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of water with the chopped apricots, onion, raisins, ⅓ cup cider vinegar, pumpkin pie spice, dry mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the saucepan, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
After 20 minutes, add an additional ½ cup of water along with the chopped apple to the chutney mixture.
9
Continue cooking, covered, for another 15 minutes, or until the apple is tender. Once done, remove from heat, uncover, and let it stand for at least 5 minutes before serving.
10
Serve generous portions of the warm chutney alongside the sliced pork tenderloin for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Cumin Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Apple Chutney?
It is a flavorful dish featuring pork marinated in brown sugar and cumin, served with a sweet and tangy homemade chutney made from apricots and apples.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should be refrigerated and marinated for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure flavor absorption.
What are the ingredients in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of dark brown sugar, ground cumin, freshly ground black pepper, cider vinegar, and a dash of salt.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Should I keep the marinade for cooking?
No, you should discard the marinade before placing the pork on the broiler pan.
How long does it take to bake the pork tenderloin?
The pork typically takes about 25 minutes to bake in a 400°F oven.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is done when a meat thermometer registers 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part.
How long should the pork rest after baking?
It is recommended to let the pork stand for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
What ingredients are used to make the apricot apple chutney?
The chutney includes dried apricots, onion, raisins, cider vinegar, pumpkin pie spice, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and Golden Delicious apple.
What kind of apples work best for the chutney?
The recipe specifically suggests using Golden Delicious apples, peeled and coarsely chopped.
How much cider vinegar is used in the chutney?
One-third cup of cider vinegar is used for the chutney portion of the recipe.
Are there specific raisins recommended?
Yes, golden raisins are preferred for this chutney recipe.
How much water is needed for the chutney?
You will need a total of one cup of water, added in two separate half-cup increments.
What spices give the chutney its flavor?
The chutney is seasoned with pumpkin pie spice, powdered dry mustard, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long does the chutney simmer before adding the apple?
The initial mixture should simmer covered for 20 minutes.
How do I know when the chutney is finished?
The chutney is ready once the added apple pieces are tender, which takes about 15 minutes of additional cooking.
Should the chutney stand before serving?
Yes, let the chutney stand uncovered for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the heat.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
The pork tenderloin should be sliced into thin rounds.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its sweet and savory profile and impressive presentation make it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The dark brown sugar should be packed down before measuring for accuracy.
Is the chutney spicy?
It has a hint of spice from the 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare the pork and chutney at the same time?
Yes, the recipe is designed so you can prepare the chutney while the pork is baking.
What should I use to prevent the pork from sticking to the pan?
Coat the broiler pan with cooking spray before placing the pork on it.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a sweet and savory profile with a tangy and textured fruit accompaniment.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 15 ingredients listed for the pork and the chutney combined.
Do I need a meat thermometer?
Yes, using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the pork reaches the safe temperature of 160°F.
What is the first step in making the chutney?
The first step is combining water, apricots, onion, raisins, vinegar, and spices in a medium saucepan and bringing them to a boil.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be coarsely chopped, measuring about one cup.
How is the chutney served?
Serve generous portions of the warm chutney alongside the sliced pork rounds.