Georgian Cherry Walnut Pork
Juicy seared pork, jammy cherry-walnut sauce, and caramelized red cabbage bring Georgian-inspired sweet-tart richness to an elegant but doable weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Tenderloin12 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch medallions $3.99
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Red Cabbage10 oz, thinly sliced into ribbons $1.99
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Red Potatoes12 oz, cut into 3/4-inch pieces $1.29
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Fresh Red Cherries in Bag1 cup, pitted and halved $5.99
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Parsley1/3 cup chopped, divided $1.89
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Garlic2 cloves, minced $0.79
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Walnuts1/4 cup chopped
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Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Red wine vinegar2 tablespoons, divided
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Honey1 teaspoon
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Ground coriander1 teaspoon
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Smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon
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Ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon
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Kosher salt and black pepperto taste
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Water3 tablespoons, as needed
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Rombauer Pinot Noir Red Wine750 ml $54.99
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prep all ingredients: slice the cabbage, cut the potatoes, pit and halve the cherries, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and season the pork medallions with salt, pepper, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon.
- On a large rimmed sheet pan, toss the potatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for 10 minutes to give them a head start.
- Add the sliced red cabbage to the sheet pan with 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper; toss beside the potatoes and roast 18–22 minutes more, stirring once, until the potatoes are browned and the cabbage is tender with crisp edges.
- While the vegetables roast, toast the walnuts in a dry large skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant; transfer to a small bowl and reserve for the sauce.
- When the vegetables have about 12 minutes left, heat the remaining olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork medallions for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and the centers reach 145°F, then transfer to a plate to rest for 5 minutes.
- Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the cherries, garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, honey, and 2–3 tablespoons water; simmer 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits, until the cherries soften into a glossy, chunky sauce.
- Stir the toasted walnuts and half the parsley into the cherry sauce, taste for salt and pepper, then plate the roasted cabbage and potatoes with the pork on top; spoon over the cherry-walnut sauce and finish with the remaining parsley.
Total time: 55 minutes
Estimated cost: About $10–$12 for 2 servings, using the listed sale pork tenderloin plus cherries, red cabbage, potatoes, parsley, and garlic.
Health notes: About 610 calories per serving, with high protein, moderate carbohydrates from potatoes and cherries, and heart-healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil.
Drink pairing: A juicy, bright red works well with the cherry sauce, walnuts, and lean pork.
Wine picks:
- Rombauer Pinot Noir Red Wine $54.99 750 ml
- La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir California Red Wine $22.99 750 ml
Why it works: Two Pinot Noirs that complement the jammy cherry-walnut sauce and spiced pork: one richer, riper bottle to echo the honeyed fruit and walnuts; and one cooler-climate, brighter Pinot to cut the fat and lift the tart cherry and red‑cabbage vinaigrette.