Pork roll with rosemary potatoes

Pork roll with rosemary potatoes: A savory recipe for unforgettable moments

When we think of dishes that combine the juiciness of pork with the flavors of fruits and herbs, we are left with a feeling of joy and satisfaction. The pork roll with rosemary potatoes is exactly this type of recipe: a delicious combination that will bring family and friends together around a table full of tastes and aromas.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 2 red onions
- 150 g smoked bacon
- 4 apples
- 200 g smoked plums
- 50 g dates
- 50 g figs
- 20 g fresh rosemary
- Dried lime leaves
- Salt and pepper
- 50 ml cognac for flambéing
- 2.600 kg boneless pork loin

For the potatoes:
- 2 kg potatoes
- 20 g rosemary
- 1 head of garlic
- 150-200 ml vegetable broth
- Lemon pepper
- Lemon grass flakes
- Onion flakes with celery flavor
- Nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Herbes de Provence
- Sage
- Oregano

For the dressing:
- 2 oranges
- Watercress sprouts for decoration

A short story about the roll

The pork roll is a traditional dish that brings with it a rich and varied history. Over time, housewives around the world have found ingenious ways to fill pork with various ingredients, turning it into a delight. This recipe combines the sweetness of fruits with the intense flavors of meat, offering a memorable culinary experience.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the filling

1. Heat the pan: Place a pan over medium heat, add the diced bacon and let it fry until crispy. Add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.

2. Sauté the onion: When the bacon has released all its fat, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes transparent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the fruits: Cut the plums, figs, and dates into small cubes and add them to the pan along with the peeled and diced apples. Let them combine, adding salt, whole red pepper, chopped fresh rosemary, and lime leaves.

4. Flambé: Finally, add the cognac and flambé the mixture to intensify the flavors. Let it cool.

2. Preparing the meat

1. Prepare the loin: The pork loin should be clean and dry. Use a sharp knife to make a cut in the middle of the meat, so you can insert the filling.

2. Fill and tie: Insert the cooled filling into the cut in the meat. If you cut the loin in half, flatten it and season with salt and pepper. Tie it with kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.

3. Season: Brush the meat with a thin layer of honey and sprinkle your favorite spices: on one piece add rosemary, celery salt, ground red pepper; on another, nutmeg, herbes de Provence, and sage; and on the last, lemon grass flakes, oregano, and a lemon-pepper mix.

3. Preparing the potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes: Wash the potatoes well and peel them. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until they become slightly tender. Remove them and let them cool, then cut them into quarters or sixths lengthwise.

2. Oven preparation: Preheat the oven to 190°C. In a baking tray, place olive oil, the cut potatoes, the head of garlic cut in half, red pepper, and salt. Bake for 40-50 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, add olive oil, two tablespoons of white vinegar, rosemary, thyme, 2 bay leaves, sage, and clementine zest. Check them before removing from the oven.

4. Cooking the roll

1. Brown the meat: In a pan with a little oil, brown the loin on all sides, ensuring it gets a nice color.

2. Bake: Transfer the loin to a baking dish and, if you notice excess fat, drain it. Add the vegetable broth and bake for 45 minutes.

3. Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 70°C.

5. Preparing the dressing

1. Prepare the sauce: After the loin is done, in the dish where it was cooked, add the juice from the two oranges. Salt, pepper, and let it boil until it reduces by half. Strain the sauce and it's ready to serve!

6. Serving

1. Decorate: You can decorate the dish with watercress sprouts, which add a touch of freshness and a subtle garlic flavor.

2. Perfect pairings: The pork roll with rosemary potatoes pairs perfectly with a glass of dry red wine or a pale beer. I also recommend serving alongside a green salad with lemon dressing to balance the flavors.

Chef's tip

If you want to surprise your guests, you can prepare the pork roll a day in advance and freeze it before baking. This way, you'll save time on the day of the event, and the flavors will intensify.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I use other fruits for the filling?
A: Certainly! You can experiment with peaches, apricots, or even raisins for a sweet and interesting note.

Q: How can I make the pork roll lighter?
A: You can use leaner pork and reduce the amount of oil used. Also, you can skip flambéing if you prefer.

Q: What other recommended side dishes should I serve?
A: The roll pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.

Nutritional benefits

This pork roll recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Pork is an excellent source of protein, and the fruits in the filling provide valuable vitamins and antioxidants. Potatoes, on the other hand, offer complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day.

In conclusion, the pork roll with rosemary potatoes is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, bringing to your table a truly special dish. Whether it's a family dinner or a larger event, this recipe will surely leave an unforgettable impression. Enjoy your meal!