Italian Meats and Poultry Recipes - Spinach Pork Spitals

Ingredients           

• 12- to 16-ounce pork tenderloin

• 1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach leaves

• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese (I ounce)

• 1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted

• 3 tablespoons bottled clear Italian salad dressing

• 2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Black pepper

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Method:

1. Trim fat from pork. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise cut down the center of the pork tenderloin, cutting to within 1/2 inch of the other side. Spread meat open.

2. Place knife in the "v" of the first cut. With the knife positioned horizontal to the cut surface, cut away from the first cut to within 1/2 inch of the other side of the meat. Repeat on opposite side of the "v." Spread these sections open to lay meat flat.

3. Place meat between two pieces of plastic wrap. Working from the center to the edges, pound lightly with the flat side of a meat mallet to form an 11 x7-inch rectangle. Fold in the narrow ends as necessary to make an even rectangle. Remove plastic wrap.

4. Remove stems from spinach leaves. Layer leaves on top of pounded side of pork, leaving a I-inch-wide space along one of the long sides. In a small bowl combine the ricotta, mozzarella cheese, almonds, 2 tablespoons of the salad dressing, and the Parmesan cheese.

5. Spread ricotta mixture over spinach leaves. Roll up pork, beginning at a long side. Using 100%-cotton string, tie at 1 1/2-inch intervals. Brush all surfaces of meat with the olive oil; sprinkle with pepper.  

6. Prepare grill for indirect grilling. Test for medium-high heat above the pan. Place meat on the grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for 30 to 40 minutes or until done (160°F) and juices run clear, brushing with the remaining 1 tablespoon salad dressing during the last 10 minutes of grilling.

7. Transfer meat to serving platter; cover with foil and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Remove strings from pork. Slice pork to serve.