Harissa Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Mint and Cumin Yogurt
Harissa is a North African hot chili sauce that serves as a smoky hot rub for pork tenderloin in this seriously simple dinner. It can be found prepared at specialty stores and most grocery stores around the county. It’s amazing how one little jar can turn out such a delicious dinner with virtually no effort! Served with earthy cumin and bright mint-flavored yogurt to temper the heat, you will fall in love with this meal. Try it in the same manner with chicken breasts, too.
Serves 6
Ingredients
1/2 cup prepared harissa
2 pork tenderloin, trimmed and excess fat removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, stir together the prepared harissa, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
Warm the olive oil in a large oven-proof frying pan over medium high heat. Brown the pork, turning occasionally until golden on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the pork from the pan.
When the pork is cool enough to handle, place it in the bowl with the harissa mixture and turn to coat. Transfer the pork back into the oven-proof frying pan, place in the oven and cook to an internal temperature of 155°F, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
For the dipping sauce, mix the yogurt, chopped mint together, ground cumin, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, slice each tenderloin into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with sauce on the side.
