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Foodie Wednesday: Roasted Pork Loin with Fig Sauce October 28, 2009

Filed under: Foodie Wednesday,Giada — readerbean @ 8:02 pm
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In continuing with my Giada Challenge in which I am cooking every recipe in Giada’s Everyday Italian Cookbook, I decided a couple of weeks ago to try out the Roasted Pork Loin with Fig Sauce Recipe.  I was curious about this recipe, I mean I love love love Pork Tenderloin but I had never eaten figs, what would they be like?  DELISH-OUS!!!
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Cooked Pork Loin

The recipe called for 4 pounds of Pork tenderloin, which I had Jon pick up from Whole Foods (holy grocery bill!)   We ended up only using 2 of the pieces (photoed above) because it just seemed ridiculous to cook all 4 pounds for just the two of us.  I’m all about leftovers but we had plenty with just the two tenderloins. 

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The Dinner Plate!

The meal was so yummy.  The fig sauce was subtle yet awesomely flavorful!  We loved it, this is definitely one of our favorite pork tenderloin and that’s saying something for us!

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Dinner on the Table

Roasted Pork Loin with Fig Sauce

Ingredients

Fig Sauce

2 1/2 cups port

1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

8 dried black Mission figs, coarsely chopped

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Pork

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste

1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

1 4- to 4 1/2 – pound boneless pork loin

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

 

For the Fig Sauce

In a medium-size, heavy saucepan, combine the port, chicken broth, figs, rosemary, cinnamon, and honey.  Boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes.  Discard the rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks (some of the rosemary leaves will remain in the port mixture).  Transfer the port mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.  Blend in the butter, salt, and pepper.  (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead.  Cover and refrigerate.  Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

 

For the Pork

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.  Stir the oil, rosemary, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper in a small bowl to blend.  Place the porkloin in a heavy, flame-proof roasting pan.  Spread the oil mixture over the pork to coat completely.  roast, turning the pork every 15 minutes to ensure even browning, until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees F, about 45 minutes total.

 

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm.  Let the pork rest for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, place the roasting pan over medium heat and stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits.  Bring the pan juices to a simmer.  Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

 

Using a large, sharp knife, cut the pork crosswise in 1/4-inch-thick slices.  Arrange the pork slices on plates.  Spoon the jus over.  Drizzle the warm fig sauce around and serve immediately.

 

I’m 12 recipes into 125, so about 10% done!  A lot of Giada recipes to go!!!  Much deliciousness awaits us!

 

Post in Comments:

What’s your favorite pork tenderloin recipe? 

 

 

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