Fareway’s Italian pork pinwheels are a fabulous fusion of Italian spices and flavors wrapped up in tender pork tenderloin. These savory pinwheels make an easy yet elegant entrée for a special family dinner. The step-by-step instructions below will guide you through preparing and cooking these tasty stuffed pork rolls.
Overview of Fareway’s Italian Pork Pinwheel Recipe
- Tender pork tenderloin is slit open and stuffed with an Italian herb rice filling
- The filling contains wild rice, mushrooms, onions, pecans, parsley and Italian seasoning
- The stuffed tenderloin is rolled up and roasted in the oven
- Sliced pinwheels are served alongside the remaining rice filling casserole
Benefits of Choosing Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin has several advantages that make it perfect for these pinwheels
- Extremely tender and lean cut of meat
- Mild flavor that pairs well with stuffings
- Uniform cylindrical shape that rolls easily into pinwheels
- Cooks quickly since it’s so lean
- Provides an elegant presentation when stuffed and rolled
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pork Pinwheels
Follow these helpful tips
- Choose pork tenderloins of equal size for even cooking
- Cut slits lengthwise without cutting all the way through
- Spread filling evenly in slits without overstuffing
- Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks to hold shape
- Brown all sides by searing before roasting
- Roast at a high temp (425°F) for 25-27 minutes to retain moisture
- Check internal temp reaches 145°F for safe doneness
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicy pinwheels
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fareway’s Italian Pork Pinwheels
Gather these ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 package long grain and wild rice, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
Prep the Filling
- Cook mushrooms and green onions in butter until tender.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooled rice, pecans, parsley and Italian seasoning.
- Reserve 3/4 cup filling in a casserole dish and set aside.
Stuff the Tenderloins
- Cut a lengthwise slit in each tenderloin, leaving one side intact.
- Divide remaining filling between slits, spreading evenly.
- Close slits and secure shut with toothpicks.
Add Flavor and Roast
- Coat tenderloins with Italian seasoning and salt.
- In a shallow roasting pan, roast at 425°F for 25-27 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Finish the Rice
- Bake the reserved 3/4 cup rice mixture alongside the roasting pork until heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove toothpicks and slice pork into pinwheels.
- Serve pinwheels atop the rice filling casserole.
Voila! You now have a beautiful presentation of Italian pork pinwheels and rice. The savory, succulent pork pairs perfectly with the herby mushroom rice.
More Helpful Tips for Foolproof Pinwheels
- If tenderloins are larger, adjust roast time up to 30 minutes.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts, pine nuts or sliced almonds.
- Use basil, oregano or thyme instead of Italian seasoning.
- Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, olives or roasted red peppers to filling.
- Swap in quinoa or farro for a gluten-free option.
- For spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to filling.
- Serve pinwheels with side of sautéed spinach or broccoli rabe.
- Slice leftovers for Italian pork sandwiches the next day.
With these easy tips, you can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. The flavors are endlessly customizable.
More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Filling
Don’t toss that leftover filling! Transform it into:
- Stuffing for turkey, pork chops or chicken breast
- Topping for pasta or zucchini noodles
- Filling for omelets or frittatas
- Layer in lasagna or moussaka
- Filling for stuffed peppers or portobello caps
- Mix-in for rice pilaf or risotto
- Topping for bruschetta or crostini
- Base for vegetarian pizza or flatbread
- Fold into an omelet or scrambled eggs
The hearty rice mixture keeps well for 3-4 days refrigerated. Get creative with it throughout the week!
Now that you’re confident in preparing Fareway’s stellar Italian pork pinwheels, gather the family and enjoy this flavorful meal. The savory, succulent pinwheels sliced over the rice filling make an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner. Surprise your family with your culinary skills.