Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Serves 4

To learn more, read:
French Bistro-Style Cooking
by Arlene Jacobs
from Fine Cooking
Issue 70
Last Edit Date: 6/10/2011 11:58:00 AM

Turn your Sunday dinner table into the corner table at a French bistro with a meal that incorporates juicy pork tenderloin and a few French cuisine staples like fresh butter, cream, shallots, apples, and thyme.

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2 medium Granny Smith apples
1/2 medium lemon
7 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb. each), trimmed and cut in half crosswise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 large shallots, finely minced
1/4 cup Calvados or Cognac
1/4 cup apple cider
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1/3 cup heavy cream

Set a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Peel, core, and cut each apple into eight wedges, rubbing the cut edges with the cut side of the lemon half as you go, and then juice the lemon half into a small bowl and set aside. In a 10-inch skillet, melt 2 Tbs. of the butter with the sugar over medium-high heat. Add the apple wedges and cook, turning halfway, until soft and a rich amber color, about 8 min. (reduce the heat to medium if they start to burn). Set aside and keep warm.

Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet (don’t use nonstick) over medium-high heat until very hot. Sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned, about 5 min. total. Put the skillet in the oven and roast until an instant- read thermometer inserted in the center of the pork registers 140° to 145°F, 10 to 15 min. Transfer to a warm plate (don’t clean the skillet), tent with foil, and let rest for 10 min.

Set the skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbs. butter. When it melts, add the shallots and cook until soft and translucent but not browned, about 3 min. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Calvados. Return the pan to the stove, raise the heat to medium high, and boil until the Calvados is almost gone, 1 to 2 min. Add the cider and thyme; simmer until the liquid is reduced by about half, 2 to 3 min. Add the cream and cook over very low heat until the sauce is golden and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 min. Cut the remaining 3 Tbs. butter into 1/2-inch cubes and swirl them into the sauce. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp. of the reserved lemon juice or to taste. Slice the pork and serve with the warm apples and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Roasted Winter Vegetables with a Maple-Ginger Glaze or Basic Roasted Broccoli.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 650; Fat (g): 38; Fat Calories (kcal): 340; Saturated Fat (g): 20; Protein (g): 47; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 13; Carbohydrates (g): 21; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 580; Cholesterol (mg): 205; Fiber (g): 2;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by swpotts, 3/14/2012We all loved this dish. It took me much longer to caramelize the apples but was glad I took the extra time to do so. I served it with sauteed brussels sprouts and rice.

by tonigirl, 12/20/2011This recipe was wonderful! I wouldn't change a thing. The pork was the most moist and tender I have ever made, and the sauce perfect...not too sweet....just right. Very easy and great for entertaining. Solid!

by jemstones, 9/25/2011This was delicious. I had a fennel bulb to use up and I sliced it and added to the apples. The sauce was, well, to die for.

by msmck, 3/1/2011Easy, delicious, and the roasted broccoli side suggestion really works well with the pork

by Dreamr, 2/26/2011I have made this a few times, even used a pork butt roast. All I can say is, Heavenly delicious! I can't thank you enough for sharing!

by GEide, 2/13/2011So good, my guests asked for the recipe and had to make it for their own entertaining!

by karenkitchen, 11/27/2010Experimented with this for company and it was easy, fast and delicious. It was a big hit for everyone. This is a great meal for guests or for a weeknight dish. I will definitely make this again.

by Miss_B, 7/3/2010Delicious and easy. Wouldn't change a thing.

by KITCHENBICH, 11/1/2009This was wonderful! It all came together at the end and made for a very tasty meal. My Husband loved it and I would make it again. Next time for company.