Oven-roasted stuffed pork roast

Oven-baked stuffed pork roast is a traditional dish that combines the rich flavors of pork with those of vegetables and spices, resulting in a savory and comforting meal. It is a perfect dish for special occasions as well as for everyday meals, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. I invite you to discover this delicious recipe with me, step by step!

Preparation time:
- Marinating time: 24 hours
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 3-4 hours
- Total time: 24 hours and 4 hours
- Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (ideally with a bit of fat for juiciness)
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 carrots
- 1 quince
- 300 ml dry or semi-dry red wine
- 100 ml olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of mustard
- 1 teaspoon sweet or spicy paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

A bit of history:
Stuffed pork roast is a dish found in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in cooking traditions. This recipe reflects how people have learned to preserve meat and transform it into delicious meals using simple yet effective techniques. Stuffing the meat with garlic not only enhances the flavor but also helps retain juiciness, turning every bite into a flavorful experience.

Step by step for a perfect roast:

Step 1: Marinating the meat
1. Start by preparing the meat. Choose a piece of pork with a moderate fat content to ensure it remains juicy during baking.
2. Wash the meat well and dry it with a paper towel. This will help achieve a crispy crust later.
3. In a bowl, mix the olive oil with mustard, paprika, thyme, pepper, vegeta, oregano, basil, and rosemary. This mixture will become your aromatic marinade.
4. Rub the meat on all sides with this spice mixture, making sure to get into all the crevices.
5. Score the meat in a few places to insert the garlic cloves. Cut the garlic cloves in half and place them in the slits made earlier.
6. Cover the meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours. This marinating process is essential for flavor development.

Step 2: Preparing for baking
1. The next day, take the meat out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, peel the carrots and cut them in half lengthwise. Wash the quince thoroughly, peel it, and cut it into large pieces.
3. Preheat the oven to 150°C. It is important to bake the roast at low and steady heat to achieve a tender texture.

Step 3: Baking the roast
1. Place the meat in a baking dish, adding the carrots and quince pieces around it.
2. Pour the red wine and water over the ingredients. The ratio of 1:3 (one part water to three parts wine) is ideal for keeping the meat moist and adding extra flavor.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake in the oven for 3-4 hours. It is essential to occasionally pour the sauce from the dish over the meat to achieve a golden crust and intensify the flavors.

Step 4: Finishing the dish
1. About 30 minutes before it's done, remove the aluminum foil to allow the roast to brown nicely.
2. Once the meat is tender and browned, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help redistribute the juices, giving you a juicy roast.

Serving suggestion:
To add a special touch, serve the stuffed pork roast with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. A fresh summer salad will perfectly complement this dish. Don't forget to keep the sauce from the dish to pour over the meat when serving – it's full of flavor!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Answer: This recipe also works with beef or lamb, but the baking time will vary. Make sure to follow the specific cooking times for each type of meat.
2. How can I store the roast?
Answer: The roast can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its texture.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Answer: Of course! Potatoes, onions, or zucchinis can be added to the dish for a delicious and flavorful side.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins (especially B12), and minerals such as zinc and iron, essential for the body's health. Vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Possible variations:
- Instead of red wine, you can use beer or cider for a different flavor.
- Add exotic spices like cumin or cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Experiment with different types of mustard (e.g., honey mustard) to enrich the taste.

Oven-baked stuffed pork roast is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. With every bite, you will feel the love and passion you put into the preparation. So embrace this recipe and turn every meal into a special occasion!