Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard

by Cindi Sutter, Founder of The Spirited Table® - Recipe contributed by Melissa Rubel Jacobson - Food & Wine - Photo by John Kernick - Published March 2009

Since pork tenderloin is low in fat, it tends to dry out, so be careful not to overcook it--this recipe needs just 20 minutes in the oven. Melissa Rubel Jacobson serves a stellar honey mustard alongside it to add moistness and sweet-spicy flavor.

Ingredients
3 Tbsp mustard seeds
1 Tbsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Two 14-oz pork tenderloins
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup grainy Dijon mustard
1/4 cup traditional Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a mortar, lightly crush the mustard and fennel seeds with the crushed red pepper. Set the pork tenderloins on a rimmed baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper. Spread the crushed spices on the baking sheet and roll the pork tenderloins in the crushed spices to coat them.
2. Roast the pork tenderloins for about 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of each tenderloin registers 145°. Transfer the pork tenderloins to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix the mustards with the honey and season with salt and pepper. Slice the pork 1/2 inch thick and serve with the honey mustard.

Cook’s Note

Pork is an adaptable meat, light enough to go with full-bodied white wines or reds. For this seed-crusted roast, pour an oak-aged Chardonnay from Napa Valley.