pork tenderloin with fig sauce and sauteed onions

Use the late summer fruit, the fig, to enhance a pork tenderloin dinner. Paired with yellow onions and some spices, this fruit brings a bit of sweetness to the dish.  Also, this Simply Recipe entry, which will easily feed four to six people, requires minimal culinary expertise and uses items you likely already have on hand in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 pork tenderloins, about a pound each
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 white or yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
  • 8-10 mission (dark) figs, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Black pepper

Steps

  • Salt the pork tenderloins well and set them out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Heat the oven to 300°F.
  • Slice the onion into strips lengthwise (from the top to the root end). Cutting the onion this way helps keep the pieces hold their shape.
  • Sear tenderloins on all sides: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels. Place the tenderloins in the pan and sear on all sides, until nicely browned.
  • Finish cooking tenderloins in oven: Remove the tenderloins to an oven-proof pan, and place in the oven at 300°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the tenderloins reaches 140°F. Then remove from oven and let rest.
  • Sauté onions, add sugar and balsamic: While the tenderloins are roasting, add the onions to the sauté pan along with the other tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle with salt. Toss to combine and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar, and toss to combine again. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Add rosemary and figs: Once the onions have softened and browned, add the rosemary and figs. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir to combine. Sauté 2 minutes, stirring often.
  • Remove from the heat. Mix in the parsley and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Slice the pork tenderloins into 1/4-inch thick slices and serve alongside the onions and figs.
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