Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Shallots, Bacon, and Port is a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time, originating from the hallowed pages of the December 1997 issue of Bon Appetit. Cherished by the author’s family and demanded every Christmas Eve since its debut, this recipe has earned its place as a holiday tradition with its exquisite flavors and undeniable appeal. Not confined to festive occasions alone, this dish has also proven its versatility by gracing the tables of weeknight dinners, providing a touch of elegance and flavor-packed satisfaction to any meal.
Crafted to perfection in just under 4 hours, with a prep time of 45 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 40 minutes, this recipe promises a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With a tantalizing combination of succulent beef tenderloin, caramelized roasted shallots, crispy bacon, and a rich port-infused sauce, each bite is a culinary journey to paradise.
The ingredient list reads like a love letter to flavor, with shallots, olive oil, tomato paste, beef tenderloin steaks, dried thyme, bacon, butter, and all-purpose flour coming together in perfect harmony to create a dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each component plays a vital role in elevating the dish to new heights of gastronomic delight, ensuring that every mouthful is a revelation of taste and texture.
Nutritionally balanced and decadently indulgent, this recipe boasts a calorie count of 950.5 per serving, with 73.3 grams of fat, 29.6 grams of saturated fat, 198.7 milligrams of cholesterol, 680.4 milligrams of sodium, 14.8 grams of carbohydrates, 0.2 grams of fiber, 2.5 grams of sugar, and a whopping 48.2 grams of protein. With 12 servings per recipe, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in leftovers for days to come.
The cooking process is a labor of love, beginning with the preheating of the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The shallots are then tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and roasted until they reach a deep brown color and a tender texture, a process that takes approximately 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the stock and port are boiled in a large saucepan until reduced to 3 3/4 cups, a journey that also takes around 30 minutes. The reduction is then whisked with tomato paste to create a luscious sauce base.
The beef tenderloin steaks are patted dry and seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper before being browned on all sides in a large roasting pan set over medium heat. Once golden and caramelized, the bacon is transferred to paper towels to drain, making way for the beef to take center stage. The pan is then transferred to the oven, where the beef roasts until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare perfection, approximately 45 minutes.
After roasting, the beef is transferred to a platter and tented with foil to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender and juicy final product. The pan drippings are skimmed of excess fat, and the pan is placed over high heat to deglaze with the stock/port mixture, creating a flavorful base for the sauce. The mixture is then transferred to a medium saucepan and brought to a simmer.
In a small bowl, butter and flour are combined to form a paste, which is then whisked into the simmering stock mixture to thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency. Additional butter is whisked in for richness and depth of flavor, followed by the addition of the roasted shallots and reserved bacon, imparting their caramelized goodness to the sauce. Finally, the sauce is seasoned to taste, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
To serve, the beef is sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices and adorned with a generous spoonful of the luscious sauce, with extra sauce passed around for those who simply can’t get enough. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight with loved ones or as the centerpiece of a grand holiday feast, Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Shallots, Bacon, and Port is sure to delight and impress even the most discerning palates. With its timeless appeal and irresistible flavors, it’s no wonder that this recipe has earned a perfect aggregated rating of 5 stars, based on 6 glowing reviews.
