Herb-Crusted Italian Roast Pork with Garlic Potatoes
This sumptuous Italian-inspired dish features a succulent bone-in pork loin roast infused with a fragrant blend of garlic, sage, and rosemary. The secret to this roast's incredible flavor lies in the two-hour covered baking, which locks in moisture and tenderness, while the final uncovered roasting allows for a beautiful golden crust. Paired with perfectly sautéed russet potatoes that soak up the delicious pan juices, this dish is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup (divided into two 1/4 cup portions)
Garlic Cloves
6 (minced)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Fresh Minced Sage
1 tablespoon (can use ground; use less if needed)
Fresh Rosemary
2 teaspoons (minced)
Center-Cut Bone-In Pork Loin Roast (Rib)
4 lbs (whole)
Russet Potatoes
4 large (peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, melted butter, fresh minced sage, and fresh rosemary until well combined.
3
Place the pork loin in a large roasting pan and season generously with salt and pepper.
4
Rub the herb mixture all over the pork, ensuring it covers the entire surface. For optimal flavor, the herb rub can be prepared a day in advance and chilled covered until ready to use.
5
Loosely cover the pork with aluminum foil and roast it in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
6
While the pork is roasting, divide the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil between two heavy skillets and heat the oil over medium-high heat.
7
Add the peeled and cut russet potatoes to the skillets, making sure they are evenly distributed, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8
Sauté the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown but not yet tender.
9
After the pork has roasted for 2 hours, carefully take it out of the oven and remove the foil. Add the sautéed potatoes to the roasting pan, tossing them in the pan juices for added flavor.
10
Return the pork and potatoes to the oven and continue roasting uncovered for an additional 40 minutes, or until the pork is deeply browned and the potatoes are tender.
11
Once done, transfer the pork to a large serving platter, arranging the potatoes around it.
12
Pour the pan juices into a glass measuring cup and let it sit for a few minutes to separate the fat. Skim the fat off the top.
13
Drizzle the pan juices over the pork and potatoes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is a 4 lb center-cut bone-in pork loin roast.
What herbs are featured in the crust?
The crust features fresh minced sage and fresh minced rosemary.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long is the initial roasting time for the pork?
The pork is initially roasted covered with foil for 2 hours.
How long is the second stage of roasting?
The second stage lasts for 40 minutes uncovered.
Can I use ground sage instead of fresh sage?
Yes, you can use ground sage, but you should use less than the 1 tablespoon called for fresh.
What type of potatoes are recommended for this dish?
Large russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe.
How should the potatoes be prepared before roasting?
Potatoes should be peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces, and sauteed in olive oil for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Can the herb rub be prepared in advance?
Yes, the herb rub can be prepared a day in advance and chilled covered until ready to use.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided into two portions.
What is the purpose of covering the pork for the first 2 hours?
Covering the pork with foil locks in moisture and tenderness.
What should I do with the pan juices after roasting?
Transfer them to a glass measuring cup, skim the fat off the top, and drizzle the juices over the meat and potatoes.
Do I need to add butter to the herb mixture?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of melted butter is whisked into the herb mixture.
What kind of roast should I buy at the store?
Look for a 4 lb center-cut bone-in pork loin roast, specifically the rib portion.
How do I ensure the potatoes are flavorful?
The sauteed potatoes are tossed in the roasting pan juices before the final roast to soak up flavor.
How many potatoes are needed?
You will need 4 large russet potatoes.
Should the potatoes be tender after the initial saute?
No, they should be golden brown but not yet tender before they go into the roasting pan.
What size should the potato pieces be?
The potatoes should be cut into approximately 1 inch pieces.
What equipment is needed for the potatoes?
You will need two heavy skillets to saute the potatoes evenly.
Is salt and pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, they are used to season both the pork loin and the potatoes.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for best results.
How should the dish be presented?
Place the pork on a large serving platter and arrange the potatoes around it.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is suitable for family meals.
How long does the entire roasting process take?
The total roasting time is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
What is the key to the golden crust on the pork?
The final 40 minutes of roasting uncovered allows the beautiful golden crust to form.
What cuisine style is this roast?
This is an Italian-inspired dish.
Should the garlic be minced or whole?
The 6 garlic cloves should be minced.
What type of roasting pan should be used?
A large roasting pan is needed to fit both the 4 lb pork loin and the 4 large cut potatoes.
Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, this sumptuous roast is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.