| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour -1 hour 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 28g | 8g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 46g | 0.7g |
I cannot help but declare my love for the delectable Roasted Pork Loin with Lesser Calamint. Born and reared in the sun-bathed valleys of California, I’ve always held onto a deep connection with the ingredients the land has offered. From the inviting aroma of the roasted pork loin, to the refreshingly light and aromatic notes of the lesser calamint, this recipe serves as a delightful affirmation of my affection for cooking.
The Unlikely Duo: Pork and Fruit
As unusual as it may initially sound, fruit-based recipes with pork aren’t uncommon. Indeed, this hearty meat pairs beautifully with the bright, tart notes of many a fruit. And it demonstrates just how handsomely pork plays with other ingredients in the culinary world – a harmony that the Kitchn also explores in many of their recipes.
A dish similar to my Roasted Pork Loin with Lesser Calamint that leaps to mind is the classic Pork Loin with Fig and Port Sauce from Bon Appétit that beautifully melds fruitiness and savory notes.
Celebrating Lesser Calamint
This recipe introduces one of my favorite herbs – the lesser calamint. Its tantalising aroma – sort of a blend between mint and oregano – adds a unique depth of flavor to the pork loin. But its benefits go beyond the olfactory – the herb is packed with potent health benefits. Lesser calamint has been used in traditional medicine to soothe digestive issues and relieve cold symptoms, making this recipe not just delicious, but also filled with potential feel-good elements your body will appreciate. You can read more about it in this study published in the US National Library of Medicine.
So there you have it, the fusion of rich, roasted pork loin and citrusy calamint captures my culinary philosophy – vibrant, comforting and health-conscious. Easy enough for a family meal, but also elegant enough for a dinner party. I hope you love this Roasted Pork Loin with Lesser Calamint as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs. boneless pork loin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lesser calamint, minced
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, season the pork loin generously with salt and pepper. Make sure to cover all sides.
Step Two
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lesser calamint, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir to create a marinade for your pork loin.
Step Three
Rub the marinade all over the pork loin, ensuring it’s well coated. Lay the thyme sprigs on top of the pork.
Step Four
Place the pork loin in a roasting pan and insert into the preheated oven. Allow to roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Five
Once the pork loin is cooked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Serve your roasted pork loin with any remaining thyme sprigs for garnish, if desired.
