Dinner for Two
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[Photograph: Kerry Saretsky]

An easy, impressive holiday dinner for two. Start by roasting fennel and red onions in some olive oil. While they are starting to get soft and sweet, roll the pork tenderloin in a mixture of salt, pepper, fennel seeds, and fresh thyme. Then, simply plop the pork in the same roasting pan as the vegetables, and let the whole thing finish off together. It's ready in one hour, in one pan, plus a few leftovers which make a killer sandwich the next day. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic over the top seals the deal.

About the author: Kerry Saretsky is the creator of French Revolution Food, where she reinvents her family's classic French recipes in a fresh, chic, modern way.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium bulbs fennel, cut into sixths
  • 2 medium red onions, cut into sixths
  • 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons whole fennel seeds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 whole pork tenderloin (1 to 1 1/4 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Procedures

  1. Adjust rack to middle position and place an empty 13- by 9-inch baking dish in the middle. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

  2. In a large bowl, toss fennel, onions, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. When the oven is hot, remove the baking dish, add the vegetables, and return to oven. Roast, stirring occasionally, until starting to tenderize, about 30 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil over pork and season with salt and pepper. Rub fennel seeds and thyme leaves on exterior. When vegetables are ready, remove baking dish from oven, and push the vegetables to the sides of the dish with a spatula or wooden spoon. Place the pork in the center and return to oven. Roast until the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

  4. While the pork is resting, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Slice the pork into thick rounds, and plate along with the roasted fennel and onion. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the top. Serve immediately.