Description
Ingredients:
- Pork Loin Roast with Bone: 2.5 kg (or about 5.5 lbs)
- Salt: 30 g
- Black Pepper: 10 g
- Fresh Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh Rosemary: 3 sprigs, leaves chopped
- Fresh Thyme: 3 sprigs, leaves chopped
- Olive Oil: 60 ml
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 30 ml
- Onion: 1 large, quartered
- Carrots: 2 large, cut into chunks
- Celery: 2 stalks, cut into chunks
- Pork Stock or Chicken Stock: 500 ml
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Loin
- Trim any excess fat from the pork loin, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
- Score the fat in a crisscross pattern to allow the seasoning to penetrate and to help the fat render during cooking.
- Season the Pork
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and olive oil to create a rub.
- Rub this mixture all over the pork loin, focusing on the scored fat and the meat sides. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Roasting Pan
- In a large roasting pan, place the quarter onion, carrots, and celery as a bed for the pork.
- Roast the Pork
- Place the pork roast on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
- Pour apple cider vinegar over the pork and add 500 ml of stock to the pan.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil or a lid to retain moisture.
- Cooking Time
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Basting the pork every 30 minutes with the pan juices will help keep it moist and flavorful.
- After this time, remove the cover and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (428°F) for the last 20-30 minutes, allowing the fat to crackle and get crispy.
- Check the Temperature
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach at least 70°C (160°F) for safe consumption. For optimal juiciness, you can take it out at about 65°C (149°F), then let it rest.
- Rest the Meat
- Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest, covered loosely with foil, for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve
- Slice the pork loin roast and serve it with the roasted vegetables and your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or apple sauce.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider stuffing the pork loin with prunes, nuts, or other ingredients before rolling and tying.
- Pair your roast with a good red wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.