Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 bunch fresh sage, leaves removed and stems discarded, divided
• 6 ounces prosciutto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Season the pork tenderloin lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Place about 6 sage leaves over the pork tenderloin.
4. Wrap prosciutto around the tenderloin and sage, overlapping the prosciutto slightly. Wrap the entire tenderloin in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the prosciutto to set.
5. After refrigerating, remove the plastic wrap.
6. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the wrapped tenderloin in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until the prosciutto is crispy and lightly browned on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Transfer the tenderloin to a baking dish, reserving the oil in the skillet.
8. Bake the tenderloin in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the pork is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145F (63C).
9. While the pork bakes, heat the reserved oil in the skillet over medium heat. Fry the remaining sage leaves in the oil until crispy, about 5 minutes. Add more oil if needed.
10. Slice the pork tenderloin and serve with the crispy sage leaves.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts	Amount per serving
Calories	294
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	86mg
Sodium	900mg
Total Carbohydrate	1g
Protein	26g
Calcium	46mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	308mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage is a dish that combines the delicate flavors of tender pork and crispy sage, all wrapped in savory prosciutto. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress guests with minimal effort. While the dish is simple to prepare, it delivers a rich, sophisticated taste that feels like a special occasion meal.

History of the Dish

Although this dish is often associated with modern American cuisine, it draws heavy inspiration from Italian and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham, is a key ingredient in Italian cooking, often used to wrap meats like pork, chicken, and even fish. The addition of sage, a herb commonly used in European cooking, especially in Italy, enhances the dish with earthy and aromatic notes. The combination of prosciutto and sage wrapped around a tenderloin is a nod to both Italian charcuterie and rustic Mediterranean flavors.

Regional Features

In Italy, prosciutto-wrapped meats are a staple in both home kitchens and restaurants, often prepared as a luxurious yet simple meal. While this particular recipe has been popularized in America, where pork tenderloin is a favorite cut of meat, it closely resembles dishes like "Saltimbocca" (a traditional Italian dish where veal is wrapped in prosciutto and sage). The crispy sage leaves add a regional flair, common in Italian kitchens, where fresh herbs are often used in savory dishes to provide contrast to the richness of meats like pork.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

This dish stands apart from similar meat-wrapping recipes due to its unique combination of prosciutto and sage. Unlike other dishes where meat is wrapped in bacon or other forms of fat, prosciutto offers a leaner, yet still flavorful, alternative. Moreover, the crispy sage leaves elevate the dish, adding a distinct, herbaceous crunch that complements the rich, salty prosciutto and tender pork. Its a lighter take compared to some traditional bacon-wrapped pork dishes but still delivers on flavor and texture.

Where Its Commonly Served

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage is often served in upscale restaurants or as part of a holiday meal. Its a perfect dish for dinner parties or intimate gatherings, where its elegance and simplicity can shine. It is typically served alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pork and prosciutto. This dish can also be paired with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Chardonnay, or a light red like Pinot Noir, to enhance the overall dining experience.

Interesting Facts

• Prosciutto has been made for over 2,000 years, with its roots tracing back to ancient Rome, where salted and air-dried pork was a common preservation method.
• Sage is not only a culinary herb but has also been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
• The combination of prosciutto and pork tenderloin is believed to have originated from central Italy, where cured meats and fresh herbs are essential to the local cuisine.
• This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a sophisticated flavor profile that feels gourmet without being overly complex.

In conclusion, Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage is a versatile dish with rich historical roots and regional ties to Italy. It stands out due to its elegant simplicity and the complementary flavors of prosciutto and sage. Whether served at a dinner party or a special family meal, this dish will not only satisfy the taste buds but also impress guests with its refined flavors and easy preparation.

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