Pork Loin and Rice with a twist

Tonight I needed to use some cilantro that I knew was going to go bad if I didn't use it today. Hmmm, what to make with cilantro that ISN'T mexican food. Its not that I don't absolutely love mexican food; its just that the mexican food I make takes SO much time and effort...something I'm lacking these days.

So, instead, I decided to make a pork tenderloin with garlic/onion/cilantro rice. The rice is a recipe that our sweet neighbor in Mexico taught me how to make. Its "the only way" she eats rice. Its delicious!

Pork Tenderloin:

1 tenderloin (I always buy the plain pork and season it myself. Otherwise I find that their seasoning is too strong)
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400*.
2. Rub the tenderloin with about a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Do a light coating of fresh ground black pepper.
4. Rub sea salt around the entire loin. I am VERY generous with the salt. It flavors the meat so perfectly.
5. Put in the oven and cook until meat thermometer says its done. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. I always leave it in a little bit longer to get a nice crust on the outside.
6. After you take it out, let it rest for five or ten minutes before you cut it.
7. Eat. Yum!

Rice:

1/4 large onion, diced
3 - 5 cloves of garlic, minced (The amount you use just depends on how much you like garlic. I love garlic so I always use a bit more)
2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 cups rice (whenever we cook rice, we always cook two cups. I don't know why...just what we do.)

Directions:

1. Saute onion and garlic for a few minutes until onions become transluscent.
2. Add rice and let the rice roast for about five minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn't burn. You will notice it start to turning a more solid white. That is it roasting.
3. Add water. I always do a 1:2 ratio with my rice (1 cup rice, 2 cups water).
4. Add chopped cilantro and stir.
5. Bring to a boil then turn the heat to a low simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is done. Do not stir while it is cooking.
6. Eat.