Pork medallions in cream sauce

Pork medallions in cream sauce is a delightful dish featuring tender pork slices served in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here’s a straightforward recipe to prepare this delicious meal:

Ingredients

  • For the Pork Medallions:

    • 1.5 lbs (675 g) pork tenderloin, sliced into 1-inch medallions
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the Cream Sauce:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Medallions:

    • Season the pork medallions with salt and black pepper.
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the pork medallions and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Cream Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil or butter if needed.
    • Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the Pan:

    • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Prepare the Sauce:

    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
    • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
    • Stir in the fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine and Heat:

    • Return the pork medallions to the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
    • Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and coated with the sauce.
  6. Serve:

    • Serve the pork medallions with the creamy sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
    • Garnish with additional fresh thyme or chopped parsley if desired.

Tips

  • Pork Alternatives: You can also use pork loin or pork chops for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pork.
  • Sauce Variations: For additional flavor, you can add mushrooms or capers to the sauce.
  • Side Dishes: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Enjoy your creamy and comforting pork medallions with a rich and flavorful sauce!