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Pork Tenderloin with Fennel

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pork_tenderloin_with_fennel.html

From EatingWell:  January/February 1995

A garlicky fennel-seed crust and a delicate sauce enriched with pureed fresh fennel are delicious accompaniments to pork tenderloin. Make it a meal: Earthy Barley “Risotto” with Asparagus & Shiitakes would be delicious alongside.

6 servings | Active Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 12-ounce pork tenderloins, trimmed
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fennel bulb, plus fronds for garnish
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat sour cream, (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Mash garlic, fennel seeds and salt together on a cutting board with the flat side of a large knife. Place in a small bowl; stir in pepper and 1 1/2 teaspoons oil. Rub the fennel-seed mixture evenly over pork, pressing it into the crevices. Fold the thin tails underneath and secure with butcher’s string or a toothpick.
3. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until lightly browned on one side, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn the tenderloins over, transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the internal temperature registers 145°F, 15 to 17 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Add fennel and onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor and puree. Return to the saucepan and keep warm.
5. When the pork is done, transfer it to a carving board, cover loosely and keep warm. Place the pan (be careful, the handle will be hot) over medium-high heat. Add wine and bring to a boil, stirring. Boil until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add to the fennel sauce, along with sour cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove the string or toothpick from the pork and carve into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Spoon the sauce onto plates and fan pork slices over top. Garnish with a few fennel fronds.

Nutrition

Per serving : 197 Calories; 7 g Fat; 2 g Sat; 4 g Mono; 75 mg Cholesterol; 5 g Carbohydrates; 25 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 294 mg Sodium; 561 mg Potassium

Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 3 very lean meat, 1/2 fat