stuffed pork loin

 Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of a perfectly prepared stuffed pork loin. This recipe presents a delightful combination of succulent pork loin, crispy bacon, vibrant spinach leaves, and a melty mozzarella cheese filling. The pork loin is carefully butterflied and seasoned with aromatic herbs, creating a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen as it roasts to perfection. The spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes add layers of flavor and texture, while the bacon wraps the loin in a savory embrace. With each slice, you'll experience a delightful harmony of tender pork, smoky bacon, and the burst of Mediterranean-inspired fillings. This stuffed pork loin is a true showstopper that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Ingredients 

1 pork tenderloin, approximately 2-3 pounds

4 slices of bacon

1 cup crisp spinach leaves

1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to your liking

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully butterfly the pork loin by making a lengthwise cut down the center, ensuring not to slice entirely through. Open up the pork loin like a beautifully bound book, revealing its tempting insides.
3. Inside the pork loin, season to perfection with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat.
4. Heat a dash of olive oil in a skillet over a medium flame. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté until its captivating aroma fills the air, typically around 1 minute. Introduce the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and gently cook them until they wilt into a delightful texture. Remove from heat, as they have fulfilled their purpose.
5. Spread the wilted spinach leaves evenly over the exposed inside of the pork loin, inviting their vibrant green hue. Follow this by artfully scattering the shredded mozzarella cheese and the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing their delightful presence to mingle harmoniously within.
6. With utmost care, close the pork loin, tenderly folding one side over the flavorful filling and then the other side, ensuring its precious contents remain securely nestled inside. To maintain this desirable shape, skillfully tie the pork loin with kitchen twine at regular intervals.
7. Lay the 4 captivating slices of bacon on a pristine surface, allowing them to slightly overlap and form a tantalizing bed for the pork loin. Gently rest the stuffed pork loin atop the bacon slices, embracing the tantalizing aroma that ensues, and proceed to wrap the bacon lovingly around the pork loin, carefully tucking the ends beneath its embracing layers.
8. Find a cozy roasting pan or baking dish to house your bacon-wrapped masterpiece. Slide it gracefully into the preheated oven, letting it bask in the gentle warmth for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a perfectly cooked 145°F (63°C).
9. Once the tantalizing creation emerges from its flavorful cocoon, grant it a well-deserved 10-minute rest. This period of patience allows the succulent juices to redistribute, resulting in irresistibly moist meat.
10. Finally, with a hint of anticipation, slice through the layers of the stuffed pork loin, revealing thick, delectable portions. For an added burst of flavor, feel free to drizzle any remaining pan juices over the slices before presenting this gastronomic masterpiece to your eagerly awaiting taste buds.

Calories

1 pork loin, about 2-3 pounds: Approximately 1,200-1,800 calories.

4 slices of bacon: Around 180-240 calories.

1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Roughly 7-10 calories.

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Approximately 160-200 calories.

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Around 90-110 calories.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Approximately 10-15 calories.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Roughly 120-130 calories.

1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Around 2-5 calories.

1 teaspoon dried thyme: Approximately 2-5 calories.