DudeFoodz

A few weeks back, the the family ate at the Madrona Eatery and Ale House in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle. It is only about 1/2 mile from home so it is a walkable distance, they have a great selection of beer, kid friendly (yay!) and some really good food.

 This particular time the wife ordered the pork medallions with a cherry sauce served on bed of asparagus and fried polenta cakes on the side. It was really, really good — hats off the the chef. Like usual, after we eat good food in a restaurant, Bonnie asked me if I could cook that for her. A few modifications but the basics are still the same — pork with a veggie and starch and served with a delicious cherry sauce.

This pork loin has a pepper, garlic and paprika rub. Pork loin is grilled and served with a sweet cherry sauce on top of crisp green beans and quinoa.

Pork Loin with Cherry Sauce

Serves 4.

Total time: about 1 hour.

Ingredients:

• 1 1-2 pound pork loin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pitted cherries
• 1 cup cherry brandy ( red wine can substitute)
• 1 cup quinoa 
• 1 pound green beans
• 1 tablespoon butter.

Directions:

Rub pork loin with olive oil. Combine next 4 ingredients and rub on pork loin. This is best done hours before grilling as the pork will take on more flavor. However, the rub can be applied right before grilling as well. 

Add the cherries and brandy to a sauce pan and bring to boil. Stir and reduce to low. Stir occasionally.

Next, start grilling the pork loin on indirect heat. The pork will take about 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees. The pork will be medium when the internal temperature measures 160 degrees. Cook longer for well done. Let rest for 5+ minutes before slicing.

Cook the quinoa according the the package. It takes about 25 minutes total time.

Saute the green beans in the butter on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes. When done season with salt.

To serve, place 1/4 of the quinoa on a plate. Add 1/4 of the green beans on top. Next, add 4-5 slices of pork loin and drizzle the cherry sauce on top — be sure to get some of the cherry pieces as it adds a nice visual affect and they taste great. Repeat for remaining plates.