Weekends are a great time to experiment in the kitchen and try out cooking techniques that you don’t have time for during the week—like brining meat.
Recently I encouraged a friend to try brining some chicken and she rolled her eyes upward and went on about her jammed schedule and the need for “instant easy.” Another friend admitted that she’s intimidated by the process. Stop! This is so silly. After all, we’re talking about soaking meat in a bowl of water with some salt and sugar for a short period of time. Personally, the pleasures gained from eating super moist and flavorful meat far exceeds the few minutes it takes to prepare the brine solution.
One of my favorite year-round meals—especially for friends that don’t know the process yet—is brined, grilled pork tenderloin with an Indian spice rub and savory cherry chutney on the side. Tenderloins are naturally tender, moist and almost fat-free so brining makes them, well—beyond wonderful.
And for those who are always in a hurry, know that after brining, the rub and grilling process takes less than 15 minutes. Take the tenderloins off the grill, spritz them with fresh lime juice, add a sprinkling of garam masala and let them rest for a few minutes. Done.
The meat is succulent and infused with a smoky spiciness that’s indescribable. Add a bit of the cherry chutney, a pot of aromatic Basmati rice and a simple green salad and dinner doesn’t get much better.
Since this is the weekend, I always make a double recipe so that there will be lots of leftovers for delicious—quick—barbecued pork sandwiches the next day. Nothing difficult is required and you’ll find the meat is still very moist. Simply cut the sliced tenderloin into small pieces, add your favorite barbecue sauce and heat. Heap it onto the bottom of a hearty bun and top with the second half. I serve it with a generous portion of coleslaw—and no, I don’t make it from scratch but cheat and get it at my local deli. After all, I also know a thing or two about crazy schedules and butt-dragging tiredness and the need to eat something really good without a lot of effort.
Are you ready? I’ll get the salt.
