| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 560 | 31g | 10g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 26g | 2g | 48g | 0.6g |
When it comes to heartwarming dishes that capture the essence of my culinary experience, the one that always brings a smile to my face is Roast Pork with Damsons. This bright and flavorful dish is a luscious fusion of savory roasted pork contrasted with the sweet and slightly spicy Damson plums. It sings of home, of family dinners, and pulls from both my Creole and French culinary heritage.
A Unique Fusion of Flavors
This Roast Pork with Damsons recipe truly reflects my roots in Louisiana, where the food culture is an incredible melting pot of flavors. The rich, hearty roast pork brings to mind slow-cooked Creole dishes, while the Damson plums add an unexpected and enticing sweetness that’s reminiscent of elegant French pastries. The result is a perfect marriage of tastes – warm, comforting meat with a vibrant, sweet-tangy twist.
A Nod to Nutritional Benefits
But it’s not all about taste – this dish packs in some great health advantages too! Pork is an excellent source of protein and provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary for overall health. Damsons, while lesser-known than other plums, are a wonderful source of Vitamin C and fiber while being low in calories. So, not only does this roast pork and damsons dish taste heavenly, it also supports a balanced diet.
This dish is quite similar to the classic roast pork with apples, which I adore. But there’s a unique twist here – instead of apples, we’re bringing in the intoxicating flavour of Damson plums. Imagine this fragrant roast served with a side of creamy polenta or a simple green salad – I guarantee it’s a meal you will not forget anytime soon.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope you treasure and enjoy this Roast Pork with Damsons as much as I truly enjoy creating and sharing it. Here’s to good health and great food!
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs pork shoulder roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- 1.5 lbs damson plums, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Season the pork shoulder roast with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring all sides are evenly seasoned.
Step Two
In a large oven-proof dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork roast and brown on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Three
Once browned, remove the pork from the dish and set it aside. In the same dish, add the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step Four
Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the dish with a wooden spoon to deglaze it. This will lift any flavor-packed brown bits stuck to the dish into the sauce.
Step Five
Return the pork to the dish and add in the damson plums. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the pork and plums, then drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top.
Step Six
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender. Check occasionally, and baste the pork with the juice in the bottom of the dish.
Step Seven
When the roast is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a serving platter, covering it loosely with foil to rest. In the meantime, place the dish with the plums and cooking liquid back on the stove over medium heat.
Step Eight
Mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the cooking liquid. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step Nine
Pour this thickened plum sauce over the rested pork roast and serve. Enjoy your delicious roast pork with damsons!
