Once in a while, pork loin is at a price that’s just too good to pass up. Usually it’s out of our price range. There are just so many other cuts that give you more meat for your buck. But! When we do get to eat tenderloin, talk about scrumptous. This recipe is easy and “melt in your mouth” good!

Pork Tenderloin:

1 pork tenderloin – $4.92

Marinade:

1/2 cup soy sauce – $.45
2 oranges – $.50
1 lime – $.20
1 tablespoon Dijon – $.15
1 clove garlic, crushed – $.10
2 green onion, diced – $.15
1 tsp Soul Seasoning – pantry
*1 1/2 tsps Pepper – pantry

COST: $6.47

Place the pork tenderloin in a plastic, sealable bag or deep glass bowl. Squeeze juice of oranges and lime into measuring bowl. Add remaining marinade ingredients, except pepper, and whisk to mix. Pour over tenderloin and seal bag or bowl and set aside at room temp for 1 hour. If you have time, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Note: You can grill as well. It just depends on time and which you prefer.

Drizzle 1 tsp canola oil on small roasting pan. Remove pork tenderloin from marinade and place on oil of roaster. Drizzle 1 more tsp oil on tenderloin and sprinkle with pepper. Roast for 45 minutes. Allow meat to sit about 10 minutes before cutting into 1 1/2 inch serving pieces.

While meat is grilling, bring reserve marinade to a boil in a small saucepan. Lower heat and gently simmer until it is reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Stir occasionally. Drizzle a small amount of marinade over each piece of meat. You can leave your meat naked too. I prefer mine without sauce. Your tenderloin will be so tasty and tender, it won’t need a thing!

Penne with Tomato and Basil:

1 1/2 cup dried penne pasta – $.75
1 8 oz can diced or sliced tomatoes – $.69
Fresh Basil – $.50
1 Tbsp Olive Oil – pantry
1 clove garlic, crushed – $.10
1 tsp salt – pantry
1/2 tsp pepper – pantry
1 cup water

COST: $2.04

In a large frying pan with a good lid, bring olive oil and dried penne up to medium heat and lightly brown penne. Once golden, add garlic. Saute 1 minute and then add can of diced or crushed tomato (with liquid). Add water, salt, pepper, and a big pinch of chopped, fresh basil.

Stir and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cover. Cook 10 mins. Serve hot. Top with Parmesan or Asiago cheese and more fresh basil, if you like.

The side veggie is simply canned corn, drained and warmed with a tsp of butter and salt and pepper to taste.

COST: $.70

GRAND TOTAL: $9.21