Chef-Boy-I-Be-Illinois' Pork Tenderloin Rosa Di Parma

Pork tenderloin stuffed with prosciutto, parmigiano reggiano, and spinach that is roasted to perfection and easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner for two, or elegant enough to serve to company. The preparation might look intimidating, but it's not as bad as it seems. And once prepared, it roasts in the oven for 30 minutes while you move on to make polenta and stewed apples to serve alongside this delicious dish! One tenderloin made 4 servings for the two of us, but I could see where two hungry people would eat all 4. This recipe is very easy to double as well.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons  finely chopped fresh sage
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  minced garlic
• 1  teaspoon  finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  celery salt
• 1  teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 (1 -1 1/4lb)  pork tenderloin, trimmed
• 2  slices  italian parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma)
• 1⁄2 cup  freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 1 (12 ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Directions

1. Combine sage, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. Cut a lengthwise slit down center of tenderloin to within 1/2 inch of bottom. Open tenderloin so lays flat, then on each half make another lengthwise slit down the center to within 1/2 inches of bottom. Cover with wax paper and flatten to 1/4 inch thickness. You can use a meat mallet, or do as I do and save an empty wine bottle with a long neck (usually white wine) so you have a place to hold onto while whacking.
4. Spread the flattened tenderloin with the spice mixture from the first step, using your palm to cover the entire surface. Then top the seasoned tenderloin with ham slices, the spinach and spread 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano over the spinach, leaving a 1-inch border. Starting with a long side, roll up tenderloin so the stuffing is in a spiral pattern; then tie the roasts at 2-inch intervals with kitchen string. I personally think it's easier to use toothpicks rather than string. Lightly season outside with salt and pepper (don't overdo it because the ham and parm are salty).
5. Bake uncovered, at 425°F for 25-30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F Transfer to serving platter, and allow to stand for 10 minutes before removing strings (or toothpicks) and slicing into four equal servings.