Romesco is to Spain what pesto is to Italy. Typically made with red peppers, this carrot version led to some new ideas.

Prep Time

    •    Prep time: 10 minutes
    •    Cook time: 35 minutes
    •    Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

    •   ¼ cup pine nuts
    •   1½ pound small carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise if large
    •   5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    •   Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    •   1 large pork tenderloin (about 1½ lb.)
    •   1 small garlic clove, finely grated
    •   1 tsp Aleppo pepper or ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
    •   2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
    •   2 cups spicy greens (such as watercress or baby mustard)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes; let cool.
2. Increase temperature to 450°. Toss carrots with 1 Tbsp. oil on another rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and black pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally, until softened and browned, 15–20 minutes; let cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and black pepper and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 10–15 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven and roast pork until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 145°, 8–10 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Pulse pine nuts, garlic, and remaining 3 Tbsp. oil in a food processor to a coarse paste. Add Aleppo pepper, one-fourth of carrots, 1 Tbsp. vinegar, and 1 Tbsp. water. Process, adding more water as needed, to a coarse purée; season romesco with salt, black pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.
5. Toss greens with remaining carrots and remaining 1 Tbsp. vinegar in a large bowl; season with salt and black pepper. Serve pork with romesco and salad.

This great family recipe is thanks to Bonappetit Recipes at https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/roast-pork-tenderloin-with-carrot-romesco