Basque Pork with Summer Piperade

Tender pork medallions, crisp skillet potatoes, and a smoky summer piperade turn peak August Washington produce into a practical Basque-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

  • Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Tenderloin
    1 lb $2.99
  • Fresh Red Hothouse Bell Pepper
    1 large pepper $1.67
  • Red Potatoes
    1 lb $1.29
  • Fresh Roma Tomato
    12 oz $1.49
  • Jumbo Sweet Onions
    6 oz $1.19
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Organic Italian Parsley
    2 tablespoons chopped $1.99
  • Water
    1/2 cup
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Red wine vinegar
    1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Halve 1 lb red potatoes; thinly slice 1 large red bell pepper and 6 oz sweet onion; mince 2 garlic cloves; chop 12 oz Roma tomatoes and 2 tablespoons parsley; then cut 1 lb pork tenderloin crosswise into eight medallions and pat them dry.
  2. Put 1 lb halved red potatoes, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large skillet. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, then uncover and let any water evaporate.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the 1 lb potatoes and cook cut-side down for 6–8 minutes, until crisp and tender; transfer the 1 lb cooked potatoes to a plate.
  4. Season 1 lb pork medallions with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the 1 lb pork for 2–3 minutes per side, until it reaches 145°F; transfer the 1 lb pork to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 6 oz sliced sweet onion, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet; cook over medium heat for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
  6. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 12 oz chopped Roma tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar and remove from the heat.
  7. Divide 1 lb crisp potatoes and all of the pepper-tomato piperade between two plates, top with 1 lb rested pork medallions, and finish with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.

Total time: 50 minutes

Estimated cost: $10–$12 for 2 servings

Health notes: About 620 calories per serving, with roughly 48 grams of protein plus fiber-rich potatoes and summer vegetables.

Drink pairing: A lightly chilled Garnacha has enough bright fruit and acidity for the smoky peppers, tomatoes, and pork.