ROASTED LOIN OF PORK WITH FIG AND CHIPOTLE STUFFING

Roasted Loin of Pork with Fig and Chipotle Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

1/2 cup tamarind paste, dissolved in water (optional)
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup molasses
1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 pounds boneless loin of pork, with the fat cap left on
2 cups dried Black Mission figs, trimmed and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped roasted garlic
1 teaspoon pureed chipotles in adobo
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon-flavored oil or 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil with 2 teaspoons minced lemon zest
1 teaspoon sherry or balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Olive oil, for searing

Steps:

To prepare the marinade: Blend together the tamarind paste, if using, orange juice, molasses, chile powder, vinegar, oil, and basil. Pour the marinade over the pork loin in a shallow glass baking dish, cover, and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
To prepare the stuffing: Place the figs, garlic, and pureed chipotles in a food processor and pulse until semi-smooth. Transfer to a bowl and fold in the remaining ingredients.
To prepare the pork: Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and blot dry. Butterfly the loin lengthwise, leaving 1/2 inch of meat attached to connect the 2 halves of the loin. Open the pork loin and cover it with plastic wrap. Pound lightly with a butcher's mallet or heavy pan to an even thickness, 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Mound the stuffing down the center of the loin and fold it closed. Tie the loin carefully at 1-inch intervals with butcher's string. The loin may be prepared to this point up to 24 hours in advance.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Pour the marinade into a saucepan and reduce it over low heat to a glazelike consistency. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over moderate heat and sear the meat. Transfer to a metal rack wet in a roasting pan and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees. Bursh the pork liberally with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes or so before removing the twine. Slice and serve.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with sauteed chanterelle mushrooms with apple wedges.