Ingredients

  • 1 (5 -6 lb) whole beef tenderloin, trimmed and patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • Bread Crumb Topping
  • 2 slices hearty white bread, torn into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons thyme
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Herb Paste
  • 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Method

  • Tuck the thin, tapered end of the tenderloin under the roast, then tie the entire roast every 1 1/2 inches.
  • Combine 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon pepper, and sugar in small bowl and rub all over tenderloin. Transfer tenderloin to wire rack set on rimmed baking sheet and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours.
  • Bread Crumb Topping: Pulse bread in food processor to fine crumbs. Transfer bread crumbs to medium bowl and toss in 2 tablespoons parsley, 2 teaspoons thyme, 1/2 cup parmesan, and 2 tablespoons oil until evenly combined.
  • Herb Paste: Wipe out food processor and process remaining 6 tablespoons parsley, 2 tablespoons thyme, 3/4 cups cheese, 4 tablespoons oil, and garlic until smooth paste forms. Transfer herb paste to small bowl.
  • Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 400°F Roast tenderloin 20 minutes and remove from oven. Using scissors, cut and remove twine.
  • Using a spatula, spread the herb paste evenly over the top and sides of the tenderloin.
  • Press the bread-crumb mixture evenly onto the roast, using the other hand to catch the crumbs and keep them from falling through the rack.
  • Roast until thickest part of meat registers about 130°F and topping is golden brown, 20-25 minutes. (If topping browns before meat reaches preferred internal temperature, lightly cover with foil for balance of roasting time and remove while roast rests.).
  • Let roast rest, uncovered, for 30 minutes on wire rack. Transfer to cutting board and carve. Serve.