Savory Pork Loin with Vegetables and Cheese
Homemade Pork Loin with Vegetables and Cheese: A Deliciously Satisfying Meal
This pork loin dish, generously filled with fresh vegetables and melted cheese, offers a delightful savory flavor that makes it incredibly delicious. It’s a perfect choice for a special meal or a comforting dinner.
Main Ingredients
- Pork loin 400g (for cutlets)
- 1 Carrot
- 1/2 Zucchini
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 slices of processed cheese
- 80g shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A little cornstarch
- A little cooking oil
Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
- 4 Tbsp minced onion
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A little chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
- 4 Tbsp minced onion
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A little chopped parsley
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the pork loin, ideally using a cut meant for tonkatsu (pork cutlet). Use a meat mallet or the back of a knife to gently pound and flatten the pork loin to an even, thin thickness. Thinning the meat is crucial for even cooking in a pan, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables that will add color, texture, and flavor. Wash the zucchini, carrot, and onion thoroughly. Julienne them into thin strips. Aim for a similar thickness to the pork for consistent cooking.
Step 3
Heat a little cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the julienned zucchini, carrot, and onion, seasoning each lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté each vegetable separately until they are slightly tender but still retain a slight crispness. Set aside.
Step 4
Lightly dust one side of the seasoned pork loin with cornstarch. This is the side where the vegetables will be placed. The cornstarch acts as a binder, helping the vegetables adhere to the pork, and also helps prevent excess moisture from making the pork soggy during cooking.
Step 5
Arrange the sautéed vegetables evenly over the cornstarch-dusted side of the pork loin. Distribute them well to ensure each bite has a good balance of pork and vegetables.
Step 6
Layer the processed cheese slices over the vegetables, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Carefully fold the other half of the pork loin over the filling, enclosing the vegetables and cheese like a pocket or a calzone.
Step 7
Wipe the pan clean or use a fresh one, add a little cooking oil, and place the prepared pork loin parcel in the pan over low heat. Cook gently, allowing the pork to brown and cook through. Covering the pan with a lid is essential to ensure the inside cooks completely without burning the exterior.
Step 8
Avoid flipping the pork loin too frequently. Turning it only once allows it to cook evenly and helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Patience is key here.
Step 9
While the pork loin is cooking, prepare the cream sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and minced onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh aroma. Be careful not to overcook, as the sauce can become too thick.
Step 10
Once the pork loin is beautifully browned and cooked through, carefully transfer it to a serving plate. The melted cheese oozing out will look very appetizing.
Step 11
Drizzle the warm cream sauce generously over the cooked pork loin. This luscious sauce adds a final touch of richness and complements the savory flavors of the pork and vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy!
