Marinated Pork with Caramelized Fennel

Name: Marinated Pork with Caramelized Fennel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 2 pork tenderloins (3/4 pound each); FENNEL:; 2 medium fennel bulbs, halved and cut into 1/2-inch slices; 4-1/2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Fennel fronds, optional

Fresh-flavored marinade works magic on this pork, making it tender and juicy. I often complete the meal with cauliflower or brussels sprouts, roasted so they’re naturally sweet.—Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 pork tenderloins (3/4 pound each)
FENNEL:
2 medium fennel bulbs, halved and cut into 1/2-inch slices
4-1/2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Fennel fronds, optional

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first nine ingredients; add pork. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Place fennel in a large bowl; drizzle with 4-1/2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Transfer to an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 450° for 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring once.
Meanwhile, drain and discard marinade. In a large ovenproof skillet, brown pork in remaining oil on all sides. Place skillet in oven; bake pork for 18-22 minutes or until a thermometer reads 145°.
Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted fennel. Garnish with fennel fronds if desired.