Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin (or your preferred cut)
- 2 large fennel bulbs, sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
Optional Ingredients
- 2 carrots, sliced (for added sweetness and texture)
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (for a touch of tartness)
- 1 cup potatoes, cubed (to make it a more hearty meal)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the fennel bulbs and onions into thin pieces. The thinner the slices, the more they will caramelize and release their sweetness.
- Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
Step 2: Seasoning the Pork
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Rub the pork with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Sprinkle fennel seeds evenly over the pork, pressing them gently to adhere.
Step 3: Searing the Pork
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This helps lock in the juices and adds a rich flavor.
Step 4: Roasting the Vegetables
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced fennel, onions, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 5: Combining and Roasting
- Place the seared pork back into the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- If adding apples, carrots, or potatoes, place them around the pork in the skillet before transferring it to the oven.
Step 6: Resting and Serving
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork and serve with the roasted fennel and onions (and any optional vegetables).
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- What does roasted fennel taste like? Roasted fennel has a sweet, mild flavor with a hint of anise. It’s delicious and complements the pork perfectly.
- What part of roasted pork is best? Pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use pork shoulder or loin for a richer flavor.
- Why fennel seeds are roasted? Roasting fennel seeds enhances their flavor, making them more aromatic and slightly sweet.
Variations
- Slow Roasted Pork Fennel and Onions: Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Sear the pork and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender.
- Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Carrots: Add sliced carrots for a sweet and earthy flavor.
- Roast Pork with Fennel and Apple: Add sliced apples for a touch of tartness that pairs beautifully with the savory pork.
- Roasted Pork Fennel and Onions with Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to make the dish more hearty and filling.
- Roasted Pork Fennel and Onions (BBC Good Food): For a twist, try a version inspired by BBC Good Food, using their suggested ingredients and techniques.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
This roasted pork with fennel and onions is a flavorful, comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender pork, sweet caramelized onions, and aromatic fennel creates a harmonious blend of flavors that are hard to resist. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends.