Balsamic-Glazed Pork With Lentils | Real Simple Recipes

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 20m | Total Time: 40m

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1 1/4-pound pork tenderloin
• 1 red apple, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Bring 4 cups water to a boil.
2. Add the lentils and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Transfer the pork to oven. Roast until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes, basting with the glaze twice during the last 5 minutes. Let rest before slicing.
6. In a medium bowl, toss cooked lentils with the apple, celery, parsley, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve with the pork and any pan drippings.

By Kate Merker and Sara Quessenberry, October 2010

Balsamic-Glazed Pork With Lentils | Real Simple Recipes