Herb-Infused Porchetta
Indulge in the succulent flavors of Herb-Infused Porchetta, an Italian classic that brings the rich taste of slow-roasted pork bellying with aromatic herbs straight to your table. This dish features crunchy crackling skin paired with a tender, flavorful filling, perfect for celebrations or as an impressive homemade meal. With a delightful blend of garlic, thyme, and a hint of citrus, this Porchetta recipe promises to elevate your culinary repertoire while leaving your friends and family craving more. Ideal for gatherings, simply serve it chilled or warm for an unforgettable dining experience.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork belly
1 (Skin lightly blanched)
Garlic
1 cup (Peeled and smashed)
Thyme
1 cup (Picked leaves)
Chili flakes
2 tablespoons
Garlic powder
2 tablespoons
Maple powder
2 tablespoons (For pork)
Lemons
4 (Juiced)
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by lightly blanching the pork belly in salted water until the skin becomes slightly tender, then remove and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a fork, carefully puncture the skin multiple times to help draw out moisture during cooking.
2
On a hotel pan, scatter the smashed garlic and picked thyme evenly, then place the pork belly on top, skin side up. Generously cover the skin with salt and allow it to rest in the refrigerator overnight to ensure enhanced flavor and texture.
3
The next day, thoroughly wipe away the salt from the skin. Season the interior of the pork belly with garlic powder, maple powder, chili flakes, additional salt, and the juice of the lemons. Ensure the flavors are well distributed for maximum taste.
4
Carefully roll the belly into a tight cylinder and secure it with butcher twine, ensuring the filling stays in place.
5
Preheat your convection oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the rolled porchetta for 30 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up. After 30 minutes, pat the skin dry gently and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue to roast for an additional 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for optimal juiciness.
6
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the Porchetta to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period enhances the juiciness and makes it easier to carve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Porchetta?
Herb-Infused Porchetta is an Italian classic dish featuring slow-roasted pork belly with aromatic herbs, garlic, and citrus, known for its crunchy crackling skin and tender interior.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
Why should the pork belly skin be blanched initially?
Blanching the pork belly in salted water helps to make the skin slightly tender before the roasting process begins.
What is the purpose of puncturing the skin with a fork?
Puncturing the skin multiple times with a fork helps to draw out moisture during cooking, which is essential for achieving a crunchy texture.
Which herbs are used in the roasting pan?
The recipe calls for a cup of picked thyme leaves to be scattered on the pan along with smashed garlic.
How much garlic is needed for the herb base?
The recipe requires one cup of peeled and smashed garlic.
How long should the pork belly rest in the refrigerator?
The pork belly should be covered in salt and allowed to rest in the refrigerator overnight.
Why is the skin covered in salt overnight?
Salting the skin overnight ensures enhanced flavor and helps improve the final texture of the crackling.
What should be done with the salt before seasoning the interior?
You should thoroughly wipe away the salt from the skin before proceeding to season the inside of the pork.
What spices are used to season the inside of the Porchetta?
The interior is seasoned with garlic powder, maple powder, chili flakes, salt, and lemon juice.
What role does maple powder play in the recipe?
Maple powder is used as a seasoning for the pork to add a unique hint of sweetness to the savory profile.
How many lemons are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses the juice of 4 lemons.
How is the Porchetta held together for roasting?
The pork belly is rolled into a tight cylinder and secured with butcher twine to keep the filling in place.
What is the initial preheat temperature for the oven?
The convection oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does the Porchetta bake at the higher temperature?
It should be baked at 425°F for 30 minutes to help the skin start crisping up.
What step is taken after the first 30 minutes of baking?
After 30 minutes, you should gently pat the skin dry and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
What is the target internal temperature for the meat?
The Porchetta should be roasted until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
How long is the secondary roasting period?
The secondary roasting at 350°F takes approximately 90 minutes.
Why is it important to let the Porchetta rest after cooking?
Resting the meat for at least 15 minutes enhances its juiciness and makes it easier to carve into slices.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, the recipe notes that it is ideal served either chilled or warm.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for celebrations and an impressive meal for guests.
What type of oven is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions using a convection oven for cooking.
What are the primary flavor notes of this Porchetta?
The flavor profile features garlic, thyme, and a hint of citrus from the lemons.
What is the preparation for the garlic used in the pan?
The garlic should be peeled and smashed before being scattered on the hotel pan.
How much chili flakes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chili flakes.
What equipment is used to hold the garlic and thyme?
A hotel pan is used to scatter the aromatic ingredients and support the pork belly.
What is the texture of the Porchetta skin?
The finished dish features a crunchy crackling skin.
How much garlic powder is included in the inner seasoning?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of garlic powder for the interior seasoning.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is pork belly.
Is this dish considered a gourmet recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a gourmet, savory, and celebratory homemade meal.