PAN-ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH HERB-AND-MUSTARD CRUST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450.
• Rinse tenderloin and pat dry.
• Using a sharp paring knife, make several slits in the tenderloin and insert garlic slivers.
• Use about half the garlic.
• In a mortar& pestle (or small food processor), mash the fennel seeds and the remainder of the sliced garlic with about 1 tsp.
• salt to form a paste.
• Combine fennel-garlic mixture with chopped rosemary, mixture will be crumbly.
• Sprinkle the pork tenderloin with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
• Rub dijon mustard all over surface of the meat.
• Pat the herb mixture onto the surface of the meat, it should adhere to the mustard.
• Place a cast iron skillet (or other heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium heat till hot.
• Add oil, allow oil to get quite hot, just before the smoking point.
• Add the tenderloin to the pan.
• DO NOT TOUCH IT FOR AT LEAST TWO MINUTES!
• Then lift it with tongs and sear the other sides, repeating until the surface is browned and crusty.
• Some of the coating will adhere to the pan, that's OK.
• Place the pan in the hot oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until tenderloin is cooked to your liking (at least 145 degrees).
• Allow meat to rest, covered, for about ten minutes before slicing and serving.
• You can deglaze the pan with a little white wine or lemon juice to make a delicious pan sauce.