BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH SHALLOTS AND FIGS

BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH SHALLOTS AND FIGS image

Yield 4 to 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

¼ cup (50 mL) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) red peppercorns, coarsely cracked
1 tbsp (15 mL) green peppercorns, coarsely cracked
1 tsp (5 mL) sea salt
2 lb (1 kg) premium beef tenderloin roast; tied, centre cut
6 whole ripe fresh figs, cut in half
18 small whole shallots, peeled (10 oz/300 g)
1 cup (250 mL) ruby port
¼ cup (50 mL) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh thyme, minced, about 8 sprigs
¼ cup (50 mL) unsalted butter, cold
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325ºF (160ºC). 2. Rub 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil, cracked pepper and salt over tenderloin. 3. Heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil in an ovenproof medium-size skillet on high heat. Sear tenderloin on all sides, about 1 minute per side. 4. Transfer tenderloin to plate and tent with foil. 5. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil and sear fig halves for 2 minutes per side, or until caramelized. Remove and reserve with tenderloin. 6. In the same skillet add 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil and shallots and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until soft. 7. Add port, balsamic vinegar and thyme and bring liquid to a boil. 8. Place tenderloin on top of the shallots and place figs around the tenderloin. Bake on middle rack in oven for 50 to 65 minutes or until desired doneness. For medium-rare, bring internal temperature to approximately 140ºF (60ºC); or medium, 160ºF (70ºC). 9. Remove tenderloin and figs and tent with foil. Reserve. 10. Bring remaining sauce to a boil and reduce to ½ cup (125 mL). 11. Whisk in butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 12. Cut tenderloin into 6 pieces, plate with figs and shallots and spoon sauce over tenderloin.