Spinach and Mint-Basil Pesto-Stuffed Pork Loin

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Picture of Spinach and Mint-Basil Pesto-Stuffed Pork Loin Recipe Photo: Spinach and Mint-Basil Pesto-Stuffed Pork Loin Recipe
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Total Time:
1 hr 0 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Yield:
5 to 6 servings
Level:
Intermediate
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Ingredients

Pesto:

Pork:

  • 2 (3 pound) pork loins, 10 to 12-inches long
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil

Directions

For the pesto: In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the basil and mint 3 to 4 times or until chopped, then add the pine nuts and salt and pulse an additional 2 to 3 times. Add the garlic and cheese, pulse 2 times. With the food processor running, slowly add the oil to blend, this should take 1 minute. Don't over-pulse or puree; this will result in a brown liquid sauce, not a bright herb pesto.

For the pork: To butterfly the pork, place each loin on a cutting board and slice lengthwise through the center, about 3 inches deep, but not cutting all the way through, until it opens to form a 10 by 10-inch square.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Season the inside of both loins with salt and pepper and evenly spread the pesto, leaving a 2-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle with feta and top with spinach. Roll tightly lengthwise. With butchers twine, tie several knots around the stuffed loins, 4 to 5 times, to ensure even cooking.

Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed saute pan over high heat, season the outside of the loins with salt and pepper, and sear on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and place the loins on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 5 reviews

  • on August 09, 2012

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    The title is wrong - the recipe says basil, not spinach. No matter - I made this with basil and it was delicious. I didn't have a large loin, but two small ones. I split them both open, slathered on the pesto and put them together like a sandwich, and then tied them together about every couple inches. I then grilled them first on really high to brown, then lower to reach internal temp. The pork was moist and tasty, and the pesto didn't fall out like I was afraid it would. It was so good with a lettuce salad and roasted broccoli from the garden!

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  • on July 23, 2012

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    Loved this recipe! I was looking for a way to do a stuffed loin that that was different from the traditional fall flavors of apples and dried fruits. This hit the spot! I cooked a 4.5 lb roast on the grill at 350 for about 1 hr-1:15. Watched the temperature carefully. I lost a little stuffing, which a pan would typically catch so if I do this again on the grill I will keep stuffing closer to the middle of the roast. Guests liked the mint addition to the pesto.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on July 10, 2012

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    A beautiful, fragrant dish which was perfect for a summer supper.....YUM
    I modified it and left the spinach out of the pesto. Instead I sautéed it and added it to a toasted orzo side dish and topped that with feta. Delicious!

    people found this review Helpful.
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