Oven-roasted pork with mashed potatoes

Oven-roasted pork loin with mashed potatoes is a classic, simple, and delicious dish that revives childhood memories. It is an easy recipe to make, perfect for family Sunday dinners or special occasions. In this recipe, I will share with you the necessary steps to achieve a juicy roast, alongside a creamy and tasty mashed potato. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg boneless pork loin
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- 100 ml water
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- Salt, pepper, to taste
- Dried or fresh thyme
- Potatoes (about 1 kg for the mash)
- Milk and butter (optional for the mash)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork loin well under cold running water. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and cut it into thick slices, about one finger thick. This step is essential to ensure an evenly cooked roast.

2. Seasoning: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, and thyme. Rub each slice of meat with this mixture, ensuring it is well coated on all sides with spices. This will enhance the flavors of the meat.

3. Preparing the baking tray: In a large baking tray, add the oil and water. Place the slices of meat, making sure to arrange them in a single layer. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.

4. Baking the meat: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. This time will help the meat become tender and juicy.

5. Adding the puree: After 30 minutes, check the meat with a fork to see if it is nearly cooked. If so, prepare a mixture of tomato puree and crushed garlic. Remove the aluminum foil, add this mixture over the meat, and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered. This step will add a delicious flavor to your roast.

6. Preparing the mashed potatoes: While the meat finishes, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water until soft, about 20 minutes. Then, drain them and mash them with a potato masher. Add warm milk and butter (if desired) to achieve a creamy mash. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serving: When the roast is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the roast alongside the mashed potatoes and pickled cabbage for a refreshing touch to the dish.

Serving suggestion: You can add a few sprigs of fresh parsley next to the mash for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add vegetables like carrots or onions to the tray with the meat for an even richer flavor. You can also replace the tomato puree with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy note.

This recipe for oven-roasted pork loin with mashed potatoes is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Bon appétit!