Southern Sweet and Spicy Pork Roast with Vidalia Onions
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of the South with this sweet and spicy pork roast, perfectly complemented by caramelized Vidalia onions. This dish features a tantalizing rub made from aromatic spices and dark brown sugar, adding layers of flavor that create a mouthwatering crust on the pork. As it roasts, the onions become tender and sweet, soaking up all the delicious drippings. Serve this hearty and flavorful meal with your favorite sides to impress family and friends at any gathering. Get ready for your kitchen to fill with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone anticipating dinner!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dark brown sugar
1 (packed, plus 1 teaspoon for the onions)
dried thyme
1 tablespoon (none)
dry mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
ground dried ancho chile powder
3/4 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Vidalia onions
2 lbs (root ends intact, cut into thin wedges)
oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
bone-in center-cut pork loin roast
5 lbs (approximately 8 chops)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar, thyme, dry mustard, allspice, garlic salt, ancho chile powder, and cumin. Mix well to create a spice rub. Reserve a portion for the onions.
3
In a large bowl, toss the cut Vidalia onions with 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
4
In a small bowl, mix the remaining spice mixture with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to form a paste.
5
Rub this spice paste evenly over the top and sides of the bone-in center-cut pork loin roast, ensuring it is completely covered.
6
Place the seasoned pork in a large roasting pan and arrange the seasoned Vidalia onions around the roast.
7
Roast in the preheated oven, stirring the onions occasionally for even cooking, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork (away from the bone) registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1 hour and 40 minutes).
8
Once cooked, remove the pork roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and ensures a succulent roast.
9
Slice the pork roast and serve it on a platter, garnished with the caramelized Vidalia onions and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Sweet and Spicy Pork Roast with Vidalia Onions?
It is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring a bone-in pork loin roast coated in a sweet and spicy aromatic rub, roasted alongside caramelized Vidalia onions.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What ingredients make up the spice rub?
The spice rub includes dark brown sugar, dried thyme, dry mustard, ground allspice, garlic salt, ground dried ancho chile powder, and ground cumin.
What kind of pork cut is recommended for this recipe?
A 5 lb bone-in center-cut pork loin roast, which typically yields approximately 8 chops, is recommended.
How should the Vidalia onions be prepared?
The Vidalia onions should be cut into thin wedges with the root ends kept intact to help them hold their shape.
How is the spice paste created?
The spice paste is made by mixing the reserved spice rub with 1 tablespoon of oil.
What is the total amount of oil used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of oil in total, divided between the onion coating and the spice paste.
What internal temperature should the pork reach?
The pork roast is cooked until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (away from the bone) registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the pork roast typically take to cook?
It generally takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why do the onions need to be stirred during roasting?
Stirring the onions occasionally ensures even cooking and prevents them from burning while they caramelize.
Should the pork rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, the pork should rest for 10 minutes to help retain the juices and ensure the roast remains succulent.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Fresh chopped cilantro is sprinkled over the sliced pork and onions for a burst of freshness.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The recipe has a 'sweet and spicy' profile using ancho chile powder and dry mustard, though it is generally flavorful rather than intensely hot.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, but dark brown sugar is preferred for its higher molasses content, which adds depth to the crust.
Why are Vidalia onions used in this recipe?
Vidalia onions are prized for their high sugar content and mild flavor, which allows them to caramelize beautifully during roasting.
What gives the pork its aromatic crust?
The combination of dark brown sugar and aromatic spices like allspice, cumin, and thyme creates the mouthwatering crust.
How do I apply the spices to the onions?
Toss the cut onions in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of the dry spice mixture before roasting.
Where should the meat thermometer be placed?
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it does not touch the bone for an accurate reading.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pork, roast, southern, sweet and spicy, vidalia onions, comfort food, dinner, aromatic, and succulent.
Is the garlic in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt as part of the spice rub.
How should the dish be served?
Slice the pork roast and serve it on a platter garnished with the caramelized onions and fresh cilantro.
What is ancho chile powder?
Ancho chile powder is made from dried poblano peppers; it provides a mild heat and a rich, smoky flavor.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty nature and warm, savory spice profile.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of Vidalia onions.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe uses dry mustard powder for the spice rub.
What is the purpose of the cumin and allspice?
These spices provide earthy and warm aromatic layers that characterize the Southern flavor profile of the roast.
How much cilantro is needed for garnish?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While Vidalia onions are traditional for this Southern dish, other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Texas Sweets can be used as a substitute.
Does this recipe include a sauce?
The recipe focuses on a dry spice rub that forms a crust, with the onions soaking up the pan drippings to provide moisture.
What should I look for when buying the pork?
Look for a 5 lb bone-in center-cut pork loin roast, which provides the best flavor and juiciness for this roasting method.