Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into 1-inch medallions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
If you’re out of heavy cream, feel free to substitute with half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick, but you can adjust this to suit your taste.
Instructions
Let’s dive into cooking this delicious meal:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork medallions with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add the medallions to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the chopped onion for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to package instructions in a separate pot. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Return the pork medallions to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and let them cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Serve the medallions over the cooked orzo, garnished with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
One tip I’ve learned from years in the kitchen: always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. It’s the little things that make a dish perfect!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International