All Spiced Up: Pork Tenderloin with Eggplant Relish

Pork tenderloin is a great source of lean protein - experts agree it is just as lean, if not leaner, as chicken breast. In addition to lean protein, pork tenderloin is also loaded with B vitamins and iron. Serve it spiced for a delicious kick like in this Food Network recipe.

Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Eggplant Relish

Relish
3 Hungarian peppers, halved and seeded
1 jalapeno pepper, halved
2 Japanese eggplants
1 bunch scallions
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled

Pork
2 pork tenderloins, cut into 4
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsps parsley, chopped
salt and ground pepper

1. Broil vegetables for relish until charred. Cool, peel, and chop vegetables. Squeeze garlic from its skin and toss with the chopped vegetables.

2. Season pork with cumin, salt, and ground pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat then cook pork for six minutes, until golden. Reduce heat and cook for eight minutes more. Set aside.

3. De-glaze pan with lemon juice, add relish, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat through, then add parsley.

4. Slice pork and serve with eggplant relish as a side.

Author: Kristine Gonzaga