Apples and Figs: Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin with apples and fig recipe is a satisfying dutch oven recipe where the pork cooks until tender surrounded by carrots, mushrooms, apples and figs.
If you are looking for a satisfying way to cook pork tenderloin, try this recipe out. The apples and figs melt into the pork, adding a lovely sweetness and sauce to the dish. The carrots and mushrooms add extra flavor and texture, resulting in a complete meal.
This pork tenderloin apple recipe tastes great with our cottage cheese mashed potatoes, mashed butternut squash, or a side of white rice and salad. It would also be great with a side of boiled broccoli.
What makes this recipe work
- It is a satisfying way to cook pork tenderloin, which is a great lean meat option.
- This recipe is great for those following a dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo diet.
- It is simple to make since it mostly cooks itself in the oven.
Recipe ingredients
- Pork tenderloin– this is a lean boneless cut of pork. You’ll need to buy two of them.
- Shallots and garlic– these seasons the pork and the sauce.
- Apples-you can use any kind of apple that you like. Just make sure to peel them.
- Dried figs– these soften as they cook and result in a burst of sweet flavor.
- Carrots– these add nice crunch and flavor to the dish.
- Mushrooms– Bella mushrooms or white button mushrooms both work here.
- Dried rosemary and thyme– these spices flavor the pork.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Step 1: Sear the pork for a few minutes on each side.
Step 2
Step 2: Cook the onion and garlic until translucent.
Step 3
Step 3: Add the mushrooms, apple slices, carrots and figs and cook for a few minutes.
Step 4
Step 4: Add the seared pork to the pan and top with thyme and rosemary.
Step 5
Step 5: Cover the dish with a lid and cook in the oven.
Recipe FAQs
What apples go best with pork?We like using Golden Satisfying or Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape more than other varieties while cooking.
How do you store this recipe?Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How do you know when pork tenderloin is cooked?Our favorite way to determine if pork tenderloin is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. It is considered cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Prep 10 minutesCook 38 minutesTotal 48 minutesMakes 6
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 lbs pork tenderloin, (2 pork tenderloins about 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 shallots, minced ( or 1/2 an onion)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced ( 3 apples if they are small)
- 8 dried figs, sliced (about 1/2 cup sliced figs)
- 5 large carrots, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Put 1 Tablespoon of olive oil into a large cast iron casserole or dutch oven. We used a 3.6 quart cast iron casserole pot . Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the pork tenderloin with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Put the seasoned pork into the pan and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then, remove the tenderloins from the pan, place on a plate and set it aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, put the minced garlic and onion into the pan and mix it into the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the carrots, mushrooms, figs, apple slices and 3 Tablespoons of water to the pan, mix and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Push the fruits and veggies a bit to the side of the pan to make room for the pork. Sprinkle the top of the pork with 1 teaspoon of rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.
- Top the dutch oven with a lid and place into the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of tenderloins reads at least 145 degrees F.
Notes
- We like using Golden Satisfying or Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape more than other varieties while cooking.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
