Cajun Pork Tenderloin With Lambic Beer Sauce And Cheesy Spaetzle Food

CAJUN-SMOTHERED PORK MEDALLIONS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil and butter in a heavy skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 4-5 minutes or until beginning to soften.
• Add celery, carrot and red bell pepper. Continue cooking over low heat for 5-8 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
• Add the garlic, thyme, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and flour and stir 1-2 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth and Worcestershire. Transfer to a saucepan, using a rubber spatula to clean out the skillet as much as possible.
• Bring the sauce in the saucepan to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer to thicken up and reduce slightly while cooking the pork medallions.
• Season pork medallions with remaining Cajun seasoning.
• Add remaining canola oil to skillet and heat to medium-high.
• Place the pork medallions in the skillet, reduce heat to medium and sear 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the other. Turn each medallion on their sides to sear the sides as well.
• Transfer sauce back to the skillet with the pork medallions and bring to a simmer. Cook the pork to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees.

CHEESY SPAETZLE WITH FRIED ONIONS & CHIVES

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, a few turns of pepper and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and milk. Stir the egg mixture into the dry mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, use a rubber spatula to press the batter through a large slotted spoon or spätzle maker and boil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the spätzle float to the top. If you find the batter is too thick to press through the slotted spoon, hold the slotted spoon closer to the surface of the boiling water so that the steam softens it a bit. Transfer the spätzle to a strainer, toss in a bit of olive oil so they don't all stick together, and set aside while you make the sauce.
• Transfer the spaetzle directly into the cheese sauce. Top with more chives and crispy fried onions and loads of black pepper and serve. Enjoy!
• To make the sauce: melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion with a pinch of salt until soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add a few turns of black pepper and the paprika. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add milk a third at a time, stirring continuously and allow to thicken after each addition. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add chives and stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

CAJUN PORK TENDERLOIN WITH BRAISED GREENS

Steps:

• For the greens: Cook the bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until browned, about 6 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper flakes and tomato, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the kale and 1 1/2 cups broth, cover, cook until wilted, about 8 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup broth and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• For the pork: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the Cajun spice, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and salt to make paste. Rub the pork with spice paste. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the remaining olive oil and sear the pork, turning until all sides are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes total. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat registers 150 degrees F, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside for 5 minutes to rest on a cutting board. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup chicken broth. Reduce a little and swirl in 2 tablespoons butter. Thinly slice the pork, divide among 4 plates. Drizzle with pan sauce and serve with the greens and dinner rolls or biscuits.
• Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

CAJUN PORK FILLET & BEER SAUCE

Steps:

• Light the barbecue. Put all the spice mix ingredients in a mortar or blender and grind well. Chargrill the peppers on the barbie until black. When cool enough to handle, peel, seed, cut into finger-length strips and set aside.
• Dip the pork in the melted butter, then roll it in the spice mixture until well covered. Heat a heavy frying pan or griddle pan on the barbecue. Drizzle a little melted butter into the pan and fry the meat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly blackened.
• Remove the pork from the pan, wipe the pan with kitchen paper then return the pork to it. Drizzle over a little more melted butter, throw in the peppers and tomato sauce and pour over the beer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and coating the pork.
• Using tongs, remove the pork from the pan. Cut it into slices and arrange on a serving plate. Stir the sugar into the sauce and pour it over the pork. Scatter over the celery leaves or rocket, and serve.