Fennel-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Crisp Pita

Name: Fennel-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Crisp Pita
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing; 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fennel seed, coarsely chopped; Salt and pepper; 4 small pitas (4 inches in diameter); 1 bunch arugula, stems trimmed; 1 cup fresh parsley leaves; 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

3.1

(23)

3 Reviews

By

Martha Stewart Test Kitchen

Updated on June 12, 2017

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

4

Aromatic, slightly sweet fennel seed is the route to savory flavor for this pork tenderloin -- and in no time, too.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fennel seed, coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper
4 small pitas (4 inches in diameter)
1 bunch arugula, stems trimmed
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Coat pork with garlic and fennel seed, then season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, 4 minutes total. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet (reserve skillet) and roast, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest 10 minutes.
On a baking sheet, brush tops of pitas with oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until edges are golden, 8 minutes. Cut into wedges.
Divide arugula, parsley, and carrots among 4 plates. Slice pork into rounds and add to salad. Remove any dark garlic bits from skillet, add vinegar and any accumulated juices from board, and swirl to combine. Drizzle sauce on pork and serve with pitas.

Romulo Yanes

Cook's Notes

As its name suggests, tenderloin is the most tender cut of pork. It's also low in fat and cooks quickly.