A friend from Spain taught me how to cook this super delicious pork loin wrapped in puff pastry. This recipe combines tender pork loin, crispy bacon, and a flavorful onion and garlic sauté, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a special dinner or any occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fine herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 kg pork loin
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped into small cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped into small cubes
- 300 g puff pastry
- 200 g bacon slices
- 100 g grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Seasoning and Cooking the Pork Loin
- Season the Pork Loin: On a meat cutting board, mix 1 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of fine herb seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Place the 1 kg pork loin on top of the seasoning mixture and rub the seasoning into the meat very well.
- Fry the Pork Loin: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the seasoned pork loin and fry for three minutes on each side until golden brown. Turn off the heat and set the pork loin aside.
Preparing the Onion and Garlic Sauté
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In another large skillet over medium-low heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Stir until melted, then add 1 medium onion chopped into small cubes. Sauté until the onion is slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 3 chopped garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir-fry until the garlic is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. This is the right point to turn off the heat.
Assembling the Puff Pastry
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a table, open 300 grams of puff pastry. On top of the puff pastry, make a layer with 200 grams of bacon slices, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add the Filling: Spread the onion and garlic sauté over the bacon layer. Sprinkle 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauté. Place the cooked pork loin on top.
- Fold the Puff Pastry: Carefully fold the puff pastry over the pork loin and filling, sealing the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Transfer the wrapped pork loin to a baking sheet lined with nonstick baking paper.
Baking
- Brush with Egg Yolk: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with one beaten egg yolk. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
- Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the pastry to taste.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the pastry to avoid overbaking.
Serving
- Serve Hot: Once baked, remove the puff pastry-wrapped pork loin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the onion and garlic sauté for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Use other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy variation.
- Herb Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.
Nutritional Information
This Spanish-style pork loin in puff pastry is a rich and satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.
This Spanish-style pork loin in puff pastry is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender pork, crispy bacon, and a flavorful sauté, all wrapped in golden pastry. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Share this recipe with others and enjoy the compliments as they savor every bite. Enjoy your Spanish-style pork loin in puff pastry, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this Spanish-style pork loin in puff pastry, a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
