Criollo pork flank roll with Malbec prunes, smashed sweet potatoes, and warm green bean salad

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. 2

   Place the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl or a hot skillet and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Let it cool, squeeze out all excess moisture, and chop finely.

3. 3

   In a bowl, mix the spinach, queso criollo, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, half of the chopped garlic, parsley, dried oregano, mild crushed chili, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

4. 4

   Lay the pork flank steak flat with the fat side down. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a 2 cm / 3/4 inch border. Roll tightly from the long side and tie with kitchen string at regular intervals.

5. 5

   Place the roll in a roasting dish, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and roast for 25 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, melted butter, and sweet paprika. Arrange them on the prepared tray and roast alongside the pork for 25 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, turning halfway through.

7. 7

   Remove the pork dish from the oven, add half of the red onion around it along with the Malbec wine and prunes. Loosely cover with foil, lower the oven to 180 °C / 350 °F, and cook 30 minutes more, or until the pork is tender and juicy.

8. 8

   Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven when tender. Gently smash them with the bottom of a glass, drizzle again with a little pan juice or a few drops of oil if needed, and roast 10 more minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F until the edges are browned.

9. 9

   Boil or steam the green beans for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and sauté them in a skillet with the remaining olive oil, the rest of the garlic, and the remaining red onion for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice.

10. 10

    Remove the foil from the pork, transfer it to a board, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the roasting dish with the Malbec, prunes, and onion over medium heat on the stovetop, or transfer the liquid to a saucepan, and reduce for 5 minutes into a short sauce.

11. 11

    Slice the rolled pork flank thickly. Serve with the smashed sweet potatoes, warm green beans, and the Malbec prune sauce spooned over or alongside.