Herb-Infused Pork with Tomato and Olive

This herb-infused pork dish is a delightful culinary creation that combines Mediterranean flavors with a touch of elegance. The pork slices are marinated in a rich blend of olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, and rosemary, infusing the meat with aromatic goodness. Fresh tomatoes are core ingredients that, along with black olives, provide a burst of natural sweetness and tanginess to the dish. As the pork marinates, it absorbs all the wonderful flavors, which makes it incredibly tender and juicy when cooked. The use of garlic and onions adds depth, enhancing the savory profile. This dish is simple yet impressive, making it perfect for both family dinners and festive occasions. Garnished with fresh basil, it offers a wonderful aromatic experience with every bite. Pair it with boiled potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that captivates the senses. Enjoy a journey through Mediterranean flavor with every forkful.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 pork slices (approximately 180 g each)
• 600 g ripe tomatoes
• 100 g pitted black olives
• 1 small onion
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 lemon

Herbs and Spices:

• 3 sprigs of thyme
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 bunch of basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 160 Minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Marinade: Wash and pluck the thyme and rosemary leaves, and place them in a bowl. Add peeled and crushed garlic cloves.
2. Combine Ingredients: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the bowl and mix it with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Marinate the Pork: Place the pork slices side by side on a plate and drizzle generously with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally to evenly soak in the flavors.
4. Blanch the Tomatoes: Boil water in a pot, blanch the tomatoes, and peel off the skins. Remove the cores and discard the seeds for a smoother sauce.
5. Saute Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions until they turn translucent and golden.
6. Add Other Ingredients: Incorporate chopped tomatoes and sliced olives into the onions, season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook the Sauce: Cover the pan and allow the tomatoes to simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
8. Prepare the Meat: Remove the pork slices from the marinade, gently pat them dry with kitchen paper.
9. Cook the Pork: Heat the remaining olive oil in a wide pan. Fry the pork slices for 12–15 minutes on each side until golden brown, adjusting time based on thickness.
10. Chop Basil: Rinse the basil leaves, chop them into thin strips, and sprinkle them over the cooked tomato mixture.
11. Season the Tomatoes: Taste the tomatoes, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
12. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the cooked pork slices on a serving platter, spooning the tomato and olive mixture over them.
13. Garnish: Sprinkle with the remaining chopped basil for an extra touch of freshness.
14. Serve: Accompany the dish with a side of boiled potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich and aromatic experience of this dish!

Tips

• Substitutions: Use chicken or turkey slices as a leaner alternative to pork.
• Herb Variations: Swap rosemary with oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Cooking Technique: For added smokiness, grill the pork slices instead of pan-frying.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 27 g
• Fats: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with grilled eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
• Consider a side of crusty bread to absorb the flavorful juices.

Best Places

1. Osteria Francescana - A renowned Italian restaurant offering exquisite Mediterranean dishes. Location: Via Stella, Modena, Italy.
2. La Pergola - Known for its stunning views and gourmet Italian cuisine. Location: Rome Cavalieri, Via Cadlolo, Rome, Italy.
3. Arzak - Renowned for its innovative approach to traditional Basque dishes. Location: Av. Alcalde Elósegui, San Sebastián, Spain.
4. El Celler de Can Roca - A family-run restaurant specializing in Mediterranean flavors. Location: Can Sunyer, Girona, Spain.
5. Noma - Famous for its Nordic cuisine, with Mediterranean influences. Location: Refshalevej, Copenhagen, Denmark.
6. Pujol - Offers a unique fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors. Location: Calle Tennyson, Mexico City, Mexico.
7. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - Known for its modern twist on historic British dishes with a Mediterranean flair. Location: Knightsbridge, London, UK.
8. Steirereck - Celebrated for its creative Austrian cuisine with hints of Mediterranean. Location: Am Heumarkt, Vienna, Austria.
9. Aubergine - Features inventive Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Location: 98 Notting Hill, London, UK.
10. Gaggan - Renowned for its progressive Indian cooking with Mediterranean influences. Location: Phloen Chit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.