Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Method:

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Sprinkle the pork with the pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.

3. 3

   Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

4. 4

   Add the pork and cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes.

5. 5

   Halve the apples and scoop out the cores.

6. 6

   Cut 1/2 tablespoon butter into 4 pieces; put a piece in each apple half.

7. 7

   Sprinkle with half of the shallot and a pinch of salt.

8. 8

   Add the apples to the skillet with the pork, cut-side up, and transfer to the oven. Roast until a meat thermometer registers 145 degrees F, about 25 minutes.

9. 9

   Meanwhile, combine 1 3/4 cups water, the remaining shallot and a pinch of salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil.

10. 10

    Add the barley, cover and cook over low heat until the water is absorbed, 12 minutes.

11. 11

    Add the parsley.

12. 12

    Transfer the pork and apples to a cutting board. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the cider, vinegar and 1/4 cup water; simmer, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Slice the pork and serve with the pan sauce, apples and barley.

13. 13

    Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

Adapted from Foodnetwork