Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Mushroom Marsala

The Washington Post, October 1, 2008

• • Course: Main Course

Summary:

This one-pot dish has the flavor profile of classic veal Marsala but requires less prep work.

It can be made with any type of mushrooms: oyster, portobello and tree ear varieties are particularly good here. Serve with steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts or sauteed summer squash and rice.

Using a large shallow nonstick braiser works best here, but a roasting pan or a deep saucepan that’s ovenproof also can be used.

6 servings

Ingredients:

• • 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
• • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• • Salt
• • Freshly ground black pepper
• • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds pork tenderloins, trimmed of silverskin and excess fat
• • 1 pound assorted mushrooms, stemmed and cut into bite-size chunks
• • 1 medium onion, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• • 1/2 cup dry Marsala (Sicilian dessert wine)
• • 1/2 cup low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
• • 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat in a large braiser, deep saucepan or heavy roasting pan large enough to hold all the ingredients.

Season the trimmed tenderloins all over with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. (If the tenderloins are a little long for the pan, cut them in half crosswise.) Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning the tenderloins halfway through, so that they are browned on the bottom and top. Use tongs to transfer them to a large plate. They will not be cooked through.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions start to soften around the edges. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Return the pork tenderloins to the pan, which will be a little crowded, then place the pan in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes, until the internal temperature of the tenderloins registers 160 degrees.

Use tongs to transfer the tenderloins to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm.

Return the pan with the mushrooms and onions to the stove over medium-high heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the pan juices have almost evaporated. Add the Marsala and broth; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half.

Cut the remaining tablespoon of butter into several small pieces and add to the pan in several additions, stirring as the butter melts. Taste and add seasoning as needed. Remove from the heat.

Cut the tenderloins crosswise into thin slices and divide among individual plates. Top with a portion of the mushroom sauce and a sprinkling of parsley. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source:

From In Season columnist Stephanie Witt Sedgwick.

294 calories, 12g fat, 5g saturated fat, 85mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 9g carbohydrates, 2g dietary fiber, n/a sugar, 26g protein.