Pamplona Recipes

PAMPLONA

Steps:

• Cut the pork tenderloins in two cross wise. Butterfly each half and pound it until it's about .5 inches thick.
• Cut the provolone cheese into thin strips.
• Slice the roasted red peppers into thin strips.
• Place cheese and red pepper strips on the middle of each butterflied tenderloin. Roll and tie it up.
• Brush olive oil on each roll, season with salt and pepper.
• Heat the grill to medium-high. Make sure the grill rack is clean and oiled Grill each tenderloin until done, about 4-5 minutes in each of its four sides.

URUGUAYAN GRILLED STUFFED, ROLLED PORK / PAMPLONA DE PUERCO

Steps:

• 1. Trim the tenderloins of any excess fat and sinew, then cut each crosswise in half. Butterfly each piece according to the directions for 1/4-inch-thick. You will have four 7-inch squares. Season with salt and pepper.2. Stem and seed the pepper and cut it lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips. Cut each slice of cheese into 1/4-inch strips. Arrange 4 to 5 strips each of pepper and cheese lengthwise across each piece of pork, alternating pepper and cheese and leaving a 1/2-inch border on each side. Roll up the first piece of the pork to enclose the filling and form a compact cylinder. Tie the roll in several places with butcher's string or pin it shut with small metal skewers. Assemble the other pamplonas the same way (see Note).3. Preheat the grill to medium-high.4. When ready to cook, brush the pamplonas lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on the hot grate and grill, turning with tongs, until the pork is browned on all sides and is cooked through, 16 to 20 minutes in all. When tested with an instant-read meat thermometer, the internal temperature should register at least 160°F.5. Transfer the pamplonas to a platter and remove the butcher's string or skewers. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Traditionally the roll would be served whole on a plate, but I like to cut it crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, fanning the slices out on the plate to create a pinwheel effect.Serves 6 as an appetizer, 4 as an entréeNote: The pamplonas may be prepared to this point up to 6 hours ahead of time. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate if planning to wait more than 30 minutes.