Peppered Pork Tenderloin With Tomato-Mint Salsa
2 pork tenderloins (about 12 ounces each)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 large tomatoes, cored and chopped (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
Place the tenderloins in a medium bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and ¨ teaspoon pepper. Mix the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper to coat the pork well; cover and set aside.
Combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic and mint in a medium bowl. Whisk together the red wine vinegar and the remaining olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the tomato mixture and toss well; cover and set aside.
Place a large nonstick skillet or a grill pan coated with vegetable cooking spray over medium-high heat. When hot, add the tenderloins and cook about 3 minutes on each side.
Turn heat down to medium and cook 6-8 minutes more per side, browning each evenly.
Remove from skillet to platter and let stand for 5 minutes. Slice each tenderloin into 8 pieces and serve with about º cup of the Tomato-Mint Salsa.
Serves four to six.
Real Simple magazine, September 2004