Cocoa-Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin with Sautéed Red Cabbage and Rustic Cauliflower Mash
🩺 Diabetic-Friendly
Intermediate

Cocoa-Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin with Sautéed Red Cabbage and Rustic Cauliflower Mash

An original diabetic-friendly recipe featuring pork tenderloin seared and roasted with an aromatic blend of cocoa, cinnamon, and mild spices, served with sautéed red cabbage and onion plus a rustic olive oil cauliflower mash. Flavorful, satisfying, and elegant enough for lunch or dinner.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeLow CarbHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g pork tenderloin (limpio and without exceso of grasa)
  • 700 g cauliflower (en floretes)
  • 350 g red cabbage (in strips finas)
  • 120 g yellow onion (en pluma fina)
  • 8 g garlic (chopped)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 8 g unsweetened cocoa powder (for the crust of especias)
  • 2 g ground cinnamon
  • 3 g smoked paprika
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 10 g Dijon mustard
  • 15 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 120 ml vegetable broth (without sugar added)
  • 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 8 g fresh parsley (chopped, for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

312 kcal
Calories
33 g
Protein
14 g
Carbs
13 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
9 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Mustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard until an aromatic paste forms.

  3. 3

    Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and rub it all over with the cocoa-spice mixture.

  4. 4

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned.

  5. 5

    Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork for 14 to 18 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and let it rest for 8 minutes before slicing.

  6. 6

    While the pork cooks, place the cauliflower in a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until very tender. Drain well.

  7. 7

    Mash or blend the hot cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons of the vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until you get a rustic mash. Keep warm.

  8. 8

    Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

  9. 9

    Add the red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, the remaining vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly firm.

  10. 10

    Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions. Serve a base of rustic cauliflower mash, add the sautéed red cabbage on the side, and arrange the pork medallions on top or alongside. Finish with chopped fresh parsley.

Chef tips

For a silkier mash, let the drained cauliflower dry in the hot pot for 1 minute before mashing. For deeper flavor, let the pork sit with the spice mixture for 15 minutes before searing.

Substitutions

You can swap the pork tenderloin for turkey breast if you prefer a leaner protein. Red cabbage can be replaced with green cabbage, and apple cider vinegar with mild red wine vinegar. If you do not have Dijon mustard, use a mild unsweetened mustard.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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