Christmas pork tenderloin recipe for a festive feast

Ingredients for Christmas pork tenderloin

• 5 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped

• 15 ml freshly ground black pepper

• 15 ml ground allspice

• 15 ml sea salt

• 15 ml light brown sugar

• 45 ml rosemary leaves, chopped, plus 6 sprigs

• 30 ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

• 1,350 g pork tenderloins

• 340 g thin-sliced streaky bacon, about 12 slices

• cranberry sauce (for serving; optional)

How to make Christmas pork tenderloin

1. Pulse the garlic, pepper, allspice, salt, brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of rosemary leaves, and 2 tablespoons of oil in a food processor until a paste forms. Alternatively, finely chop the garlic and 3 tablespoons of rosemary leaves, then transfer them to a small bowl; stir in the pepper, allspice, salt, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of oil.

2. Rub the garlic paste all over the pork. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, or cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

3. Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to 220°C (fan) / 230°C (conventional).

4. Wrap each pork tenderloin in bacon, spiralling from top to bottom and overlapping each layer slightly, until completely covered (approximately 5 slices of bacon per tenderloin). Secure any exposed ends of the bacon with toothpicks.

5. Place 6 sprigs of rosemary on a rimmed baking tray. Lay the wrapped pork over the rosemary.

6. Brush the tops of the tenderloins with oil. Roast the pork until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 60°C for medium-rare (about 20 minutes) or 65°C for medium (about 25 minutes).

7. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with cranberry sauce alongside, if desired.

8. The pork can be prepared with the rub up to 1 day in advance. Cover and chill until ready to cook.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.