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Maghrebi-spiced pork loin over orzo salad with caramelized apple and candied sesame

Maghrebi-spiced pork loin over orzo salad with caramelized apple and candied sesame

An easy and quick recipe of pork loin marinated in Maghrebi spices, accompanied by a refreshing orzo salad, caramelized apple and candied sesame. Perfect for a light and flavorful lunch.

  • Servings: 2
  • Prep: 5 min
  • Cook: 20 min

Ingredients

  • 250 g pork loin, cut into 1 cm strips
  • 180 g orzo
  • 1 unit apple, sliced into 0.5 cm slices
  • 15 g white sesame seed
  • 2 g turmeric powder
  • 4 g ras el hanout
  • 50 g arugula
  • 125 g cherry tomato, halved
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 100 ml water
  • 400 ml water
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the apple in half, remove the core and slice into 0.5 cm pieces.
  2. In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar for caramelizing to a boil. When it boils, add half the ras el hanout, half the turmeric and the apple. Cook over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring.
  3. Set aside the apple and juices in a bowl. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of oil, add the orzo and sauté for 1 minute. Add the water for the orzo and cook 10–15 minutes until tender, stirring. Drain, rinse with water, drain again, add a drizzle of oil and stir.
  4. Cut the loin into 1 cm strips and place them in a bowl. Add the remaining ras el hanout, a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper.
  5. In a clean non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated loin and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Set aside. Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes.
  6. In the same pan, put the sugar and a splash of water; without stirring, let the sugar toast for 1–2 minutes. Add the sesame and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until candied. Remove and cool on baking paper.
  7. In a salad bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, arugula, orzo and loin. Dress with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper. Serve on plates and top with the caramelized apple and candied sesame.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 831 kcal
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Carbohydrates: 90 g
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Fiber: 7 g