A spring-forward Washington dinner: juicy pork tenderloin roasts quickly, then gets a bright pan sauce with sweet-tart pears and mustard. Roasted asparagus and crisp red potatoes make it feel polished without extra work.
Details
Ingredients
- Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Tenderloin 1 lb $3.99/lb sale
- Fresh Large Bartlett Pear 1 large pear $1.99/lb sale
- Green Asparagus 1 lb $1.99/lb sale
- Red Potatoes 1 lb $1.29/lb
- Jumbo Yellow Onion 1/2 lb $1.49/lb
- Garlic 2 cloves $1.50 each
- Fresh Lemon 1/2 lemon $1.69 each
- Simple Truth Organic® Rosemary 1 tsp chopped, optional pantry if buying fresh sprig $2.79
- Pantry: Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, black pepper as needed pantry
Instructions
- Prep the oven to 425°F. Wash and dry 1 lb red potatoes ($1.29/lb), 1 lb asparagus ($1.99/lb sale), 1 large pear ($1.99/lb sale), 1/2 lb yellow onion ($1.49/lb), 1/2 lemon ($1.69 each), and 1 lb pork tenderloin ($3.99/lb sale). Mince 2 garlic cloves from 1 head garlic ($1.50 each). Chop 1 teaspoon rosemary if using fresh ($2.79 optional).
- Cut the 1 lb red potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on one side of a sheet pan and roast for 10 minutes.
- Trim the woody ends from 1 lb asparagus. Toss the asparagus with 2 teaspoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. After the potatoes have roasted 10 minutes, add the asparagus to the other side of the pan and continue roasting 12 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the asparagus is lightly browned.
- While the vegetables roast, pat dry the 1 lb pork tenderloin. Season the pork with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned.
- Transfer the skillet with the 1 lb pork tenderloin to the oven and roast for 10 to 14 minutes, until the center reaches 145°F. Move the pork to a cutting board and rest 5 to 10 minutes.
- While the pork rests, thinly slice 1/2 lb yellow onion and the 1 large pear. Return the skillet to medium heat with 1 teaspoon oil if needed. Cook the onion for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the pear and the 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook 2 minutes more.
- Add 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice from the 1/2 lemon to the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until lightly saucy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Slice the rested 1 lb pork tenderloin. Serve with the roasted 1 lb red potatoes and 1 lb asparagus, and spoon the pear-onion pan sauce over the pork. Pour Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc if you’d like the pairing mentioned above.
Cook time: 35 minutes
Estimated cost: $12-15
Health notes: About 520-620 calories per serving. High in protein, with fiber and potassium from potatoes, pears, and asparagus. Roasting keeps added fat moderate; use less oil if you want a lighter plate.
Drink pairing: Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir works beautifully with pork and the gentle sweetness of pear, while Sauvignon Blanc highlights the asparagus and cuts through the pan sauce’s richness.