- Sugar (for brining, use 1 cup of granulated sugar)
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup for enhanced flavor)
- Black Pepper (freshly ground, as needed)
- Garlic Cloves (3-4 cloves, crushed or minced, for brining and stuffing)
- Fresh Rosemary (2 tablespoons, roughly chopped, for brining and stuffing)
- Fresh Thyme (1 tablespoon, finely chopped, for brining and stuffing)
- Honey (2 tablespoons, optional, to add sweetness during roasting)
- Olive Oil (for rubbing on pork loin before cooking)
- Butter (a few tablespoons for basting the roast while cooking)
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Steps
### Brined and Stuffed Pork Loin Roast: A Delicious Holiday Dish
Creating a brined and stuffed pork loin roast is a delightful way to impress your guests during the holiday season. This dish combines the savory flavors of herbs with the rich taste of the pork, making it both festive and satisfying. Here are detailed steps for preparing this exquisite meal.
#### Ingredients:
- 3 pounds boneless pork loin
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 slices fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Optional fillings: cooked cranberries, apples, or other dried fruits
#### Equipment:
- Large resealable plastic bag
- Meat mallet
- Aluminum foil
- Roasting pan with rack
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Brine
1. **Mix Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine warm water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary.
2. **Add Lemon**: Squeeze half of the lemon into the mixture and add its zest to infuse additional flavor.
#### Step 2: Brine the Pork
1. **Place Pork in Bag**: Place the pork loin in a large resealable plastic bag, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the brine.
2. **Seal and Refrigerate**: Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
#### Step 3: Prepare Filling (Optional)
1. **Chop Ingredients**: Finely chop your chosen fillings such as cranberries, apples, or a mix of both.
2. **Mix Well**: Combine the chopped ingredients with a little olive oil and lemon juice for added flavor.
#### Step 4: Stuff the Pork
1. **Prepare Pork**: Remove the pork from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels.
2. **Stuffing Preparation**: Carefully stuff the prepared fillings into the center of the pork loin. Ensure it’s packed tightly but avoid overstuffing to prevent leaking during cooking.
#### Step 5: Season and Roast
1. **External Seasoning**: Rub the exterior of the stuffed pork with olive oil, and sprinkle with additional herbs if desired.
2. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Roasting**: Place the pork on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound or until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached.
#### Step 6: Rest and Serve
1. **Resting Time**: Let the roast rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
2. **Serving**: Slice into even pieces and serve with additional lemon wedges on the side if desired.
### Tips for Success:
- Ensure your pork is well-brined; this enhances its tenderness and flavor significantly.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast, ensuring it’s fully cooked but not overcooked.
- For added flavor, you can baste the roast with a mixture of melted butter and fresh herbs during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
By following these steps, you'll create a brined and stuffed pork loin roast that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!