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Flavorful Herb-Roasted Pork Loin Recipe with Easy Apple Compote

herb-roasted pork loin - featured image

A cozy, flavorful herb-roasted pork loin paired with a sweet-tart apple compote, perfect for comforting dinners and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds pork loin roast (900 g to 1.4 kg)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 medium apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  2. Pat the pork loin dry and rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place roasting pan or skillet on stove over medium heat.
  4. Add olive oil to pan and sear pork loin on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Transfer pork to oven and roast for 45 to 55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Start checking at 40 minutes.
  6. While pork roasts, make the apple compote: Combine apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and water in a saucepan. Simmer on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
  7. Remove pork from oven and tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Slice pork into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve with warm apple compote.

Notes

Bring pork to room temperature before cooking for even roasting. Sear pork to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Simmer apple compote low and slow to prevent burning. Rest pork after roasting to keep it juicy. Add water to compote if it dries out. Can substitute dried herbs at one-third the amount. For dairy-free or low-fat compote, skip sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition

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