Are you craving a flavorful, impressive dinner that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the queen of effortless entertaining, Ina Garten, and delivers a juicy, tender pork loin with a fragrant herb crust. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, and even beginner cooks will find it easy to master. This healthy and delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound boneless pork loin roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds fantastic flavor!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pork loin roasts evenly and achieves the perfect tenderness.
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the herbs and spices adhere better, resulting in a more flavorful crust.
Creating the Herb Crust:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant paste.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it's evenly coated. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Roasting the Pork Loin:
- Place the pork loin in a roasting pan. If using, pour the white wine into the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor and moisture.
- Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C). Remember, the pork will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the oven.
- If the pork starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Resting and Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- If desired, add the chicken broth to the roasting pan after removing the pork, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer on low for a few minutes to create a delicious pan sauce to serve alongside.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the herb paste.
- Don't overcrowd the roasting pan. Allow for good air circulation around the pork loin.
- Using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Variations:
- Apple Cider Pork Loin: Replace the white wine with 1/2 cup of apple cider for a sweeter, fall-inspired flavor. Add some diced apples to the roasting pan during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Garlic and Herb Pork Loin: Increase the garlic powder to 2 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano for a more intense garlic and herb flavor.
- Spicy Pork Loin: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the herb paste for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This delicious and easy pork loin recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!