New Mexican Style Stuffed Pork Loin

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Croatian Kučanski koščičjak is transformed into a New Mexican delight by incorporating traditional New Mexican spices and flavors. The original dish is typically made with pork ribs and features a combination of herbs and spices commonly used in Croatian cuisine. However, in this recipe, we use a pork loin as the main protein and infuse it with New Mexican spices such as chipotle peppers, cumin, and lime to give it a distinct flavor profile. The stuffing is also modified to include ingredients commonly found in New Mexican cuisine, such as corn, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese, adding a delightful Tex-Mex twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Kučanski koščičjak, so you can check it out.

• 1 pork loin (approximately 2 pounds / 900g) 1 pork loin (approximately 2 pounds / 900g)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (150g) corn kernels 1 cup (150g) corn kernels
• 1 cup (200g) cooked black beans 1 cup (200g) cooked black beans
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Butterfly the pork loin by making a lengthwise cut down the center, without cutting all the way through. Open the pork loin like a book and flatten it with a meat mallet.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the inside of the pork loin.
5. 5.
   Spread the corn kernels, black beans, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pork loin.
6. 6.
   Roll the pork loin tightly, starting from one end, and secure it with kitchen twine.
7. 7.
   Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed pork loin on all sides until browned.
8. 8.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).
9. 9.
   Remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. 10.
    Slice the stuffed pork loin into thick slices and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chipotle peppers — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use only one pepper or remove the seeds before mincing.
• Monterey Jack cheese — Feel free to substitute with any other melty cheese like cheddar or pepper jack.
• Corn kernels — You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels depending on availability and preference.
• Black beans — If using canned black beans, rinse and drain them before adding to the stuffing mixture.
• Pork loin — Make sure to butterfly the pork loin properly to create a flat surface for stuffing.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the pork loin in the spice mixture overnight before stuffing and cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use extra chipotle peppers.
• Serve the stuffed pork loin with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be used to make delicious sandwiches or quesadillas the next day.
• Make sure to tie the pork loin tightly with kitchen twine to prevent the stuffing from falling out during cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the sliced stuffed pork loin on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Accompany it with warm tortillas, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a complete New Mexican feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced stuffed pork loin in a spiral pattern on the platter, with the vibrant colors of the stuffing visible. Drizzle some of the pan juices over the slices for added moisture and shine. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a pop of color.