Caribbean Pork Tenderloin with Rice and Beans and Molasses-Glazed Plantains

Serves 4

Ingredients Needed for Pork Tenderloin:

• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. chile powder
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. canola oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 (2 pound) boneless pork loins

Ingredients Needed for Rice and Beans:

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 c. converted rice
• 2 1/2 c. chicken stock, divided
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. canned chipotle
• 1/4 c. cilantro, coarsely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Plantains:

• 2 plantains, ripe
• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. molasses

How to Prepare the Pork:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Combine the ginger, cinnamon, paprika, chile powder, garlic, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Rub this mixture over the pork loins.
3. Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet until just smoking. Season the loins with salt and pepper and place in the pan and sear well on all sides.
4. Place the pan in the oven and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140 F.

How to Prepare the Rice and Beans:

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, add the onions and garlic, and cook until translucent. Add the rice and coat completely with the butter.
2. Add 2 c. of the stock, season to taste with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and cover the pan and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes.
3. Fluff the rice with a fork. Add the beans, honey, chipotle, the remaining 1/2 c. stock, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Let simmer for 10 minutes until the beans are heated through and the flavors meld.

How to Prepare the Plantains:

1. Peel the ripe plantains and cut on the bias into 1-inch pieces. Melt the butter over low heat and add the molasses.
2. Cook until the syrup reduces slightly and becomes thick. Add the plantains and sauti until slightly soft.

Mixed Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Serves 4

Ingredients Needed for Cilantro Vinaigrette:

• 1 c. cilantro leaves
• 2 Tbsp.red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. red onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1/2 c. olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 4 c. mixed mesclun greens
• 2 tomatoes, quartered

How to Prepare:

1. Combine the cilantro leaves, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, onion, and honey in a blender and puree.
2. With the motor running, slowly add the oil, drop by drop at first, until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

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