Cocoa-Spiced Beef Tenderloin With Pineapple Salsa

Cocoa-Spiced Beef Tenderloin With Pineapple Salsa

Latin American flavors come alive in this festive beef dish with fruity salsa

CAL/SERV :

215

PREP TIME :

20 MINS

YIELDS :

4 SERVINGS

COOK TIME:

20 MINS

INGREDIENTS
  • ½ Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 beef tenderloin roast (16 oz)

For salsa:

  • ½ C canned diced pineapple, in fruit juice, chopped into small pieces
  • ¼ C red onion, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh cilantro, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or substitute ¼ tsp dried coriander)
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

For seasoning:

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 Tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 375 ºF.
  2. For the salsa, combine all ingredients and toss well.  Let sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate while preparing the seasoning and cooking the meat.
  3. For the beef tenderloin seasoning, combine all ingredients.  Lightly oil the tenderloin and spread an even layer of the dry seasoning over the entire roast. 
  4. Place the seasoned roast on a roasting or broiling pan and roast 10–15 minutes (to a minimum internal temperature of 145 ºF).  Let cool for 5 minutes before carving into 16 slices (1 ounce each).
  5. Serve four slices of the tenderloin with ¼ cup salsa on the side. 

Tip: Delicious with a side of rice and Grilled Romaine Lettuce With Caesar Dressing.

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories 215, Total fat 9 g, Saturated fat 3 g, Cholesterol 67 mg, Sodium 226 mg, Total fiber 2 g, Protein 25 g, Carbohydrates 9 g, Potassium 451 mg

 Courtesy of National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute