Roasted Pork Loin with Potatoes and Garlic - One Of The Best Pork Recipes

In this dish, the potatoes and garlic slowly roast in the pork's juices. For a more intense taste, seal the coated loin in a plastic bag and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Makes 6 servings...

ROASTED PORK LOIN WITH POTATOES AND GARLIC

INGREDIENTS :

2 large baking potatoes 1 garlic head plus 3 garlic cloves, minced 4 tablespoons (1 4 cup) chopped fresh rosemary 5 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon coarse-grained or kosher salt One 2- to 212-pound boneless center-cut pork loin, trimmed of all surface fat and tied in three places (see Note) Freshly ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS :

Cut the potatoes into 2-inch pieces. (You canpeel them, but the skin will get crunchy as theyroast.) Place in a large bowl and cover with waterby 2 inches. Set aside at room temperature for 20minutes so the potatoes lose some starch. Meanwhile, position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375F. Mix the 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl; rub this mixture all over the tied pork loin. Drain the potatoes and blot dry with paper towels. Place in a 12- to 14-inch oven-safe skillet or saut pan. Pour the remaining 3 tablespoons oil over the potatoes and set over medium heat. Once the potatoes start to sizzle, cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn translucent at their edges and brown a bit, about 5 minutes. Break up the garlic cloves from the whole head (do not peel) and sprinkle them among the potatoes; add the remaining rosemary, sprinkling it among the potatoes. Nestle the pork loin in the middle of the skillet. Place in the oven and roast until the meat has browned, until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loin registers 155F (our preference) or 160F (the USDA recommendation), about 1 hour and 10 minutes, turning the loin once or twice and tossing the potatoes occasionally. Grind some black pepper over the roast just before serving.

Note : Sometimes the loin includes part of the backbone; this will indeed improve the taste when roasted, but it makes the loin very difficult to carve. Instead, look for boneless center- cut pork loins or have your butcher slice off the backbone for you. With the bone removed, the roast should be tied to hold its shape; wrap butcher's twine around the roast in three places, securing its cylindrical shape.

Variations : Add 2 tablespoons minced oregano leaves or minced parsley leaves and/ or 1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the rub for the pork. Substitute 112 pounds small red-skinned or yellow-fleshed potatoes, cut in half, for the baking potatoes. Remove the pork from the roasting pan when done and toss the potatoes and garliccloves with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar before serving. You can create a gravy for the loin. Place theheavy-duty flame-safe roasting pan over medium heat, pour in 14 cup chicken broth or white wine, and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits in the pan. Skim the sauce for any fat, then reduce by half, about 1 minute.

Bon Apetit, Emely