Savored Three Ways Pear Edition, Part 2: Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Pear Slaw
Welcome back to Part 2 of my 'Savored Three Ways' series, where I explore the versatility of a single ingredient across a cocktail, entrée, and dessert. In this edition, we’re continuing with the pear—a fruit that has a way of bringing subtle sweetness and balance to both sweet and savory dishes. For this entrée, I’ve paired a tender, herb-stuffed pork tenderloin with a bright and refreshing pear-carrot slaw.
As with everything I create, this dish reflects my love for making the most out of what’s available, finding joy in simple ingredients and turning them into something that feels special. I apply this philosophy to how I dress, how I cook, and even how I style spaces. For me, it’s all about finding harmony and beauty in the everyday, and this dish captures that feeling—bringing together rich, savory flavors with the fresh, vibrant notes of the pear and carrot slaw.
The tender pork is stuffed with goat cheese and sage, seasoned with warming spices like cloves and cumin, and then seared to a golden brown perfection. The slaw, with julienned pears and carrots, brings a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork, making this an easy yet elegant dish that highlights how one ingredient can truly shine in different ways.
Stay tuned for the final part of this series, where we’ll finish with a dessert that lets the pear take center stage once again.
- Leonie (Founder, Studio Badge)
Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Pear Slaw
Ingredients:
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 pounds)
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 8-10 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for inside the pork)
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning the outside)
- Kitchen twine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 pound baby potatoes
For the Pear and Carrot Slaw:
- 2 ripe pears, julienned
- 2 large carrots (1 red, 1 white), julienned
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Thin pear slices
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Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese and chopped sage leaves until well combined.
2. Butterfly the pork tenderloin by slicing it down the center without cutting all the way through. Season the inside with salt and pepper.
3. Spread the goat cheese and sage mixture inside the butterflied pork. Close the tenderloin and tie it tightly with kitchen twine to hold everything together.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cloves, cumin, garlic powder, allspice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the outside of the tied pork tenderloin.
5. Heat butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel seeds, caraway seeds, sliced garlic, and fresh thyme to the pan and let them infuse the oil for about 30 seconds. Place the tied tenderloin in the skillet and sear it on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Toss the whole baby potatoes in the butter and spice mixture in the skillet, coating them well.
7. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
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For the Pear and Carrot Slaw:
1. In a bowl, combine julienned pears and carrots.
2. In a small jar, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the pear and carrot slaw and toss to combine.
3. Place the slaw in the fridge to chill for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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To Serve:
Slice the rested pork tenderloin and plate alongside the roasted potatoes. Top with the chilled pear and carrot slaw. Garnish with thin slices of pear.
Enjoy this beautifully balanced meal that highlights the versatility of pears in both savory and refreshing elements!