Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
457 | 20g | 6g | 15g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
6g | 4g | 55g | 0.6g |
Why I Love Italian Curry Pork Loin
It was my first encounter with the Italian favorite, Curry Pork Loin, that truly sparked my love for culinary exploration. The fantastically vibrant flavors in this dish had drawn me in almost instantly and ever since, I’ve enjoyed recreating and reimagining the recipe to cater to my Afro-Southern gastronomic sensibilities. Quite a deviation from the likes of Southern soul foods and hearty West African stews that I’ve been accustomed to, yet proof that great food knows no boundaries.
Something Familiar, Something New
Though the Curry Pork Loin is traditionally an Italian recipe, it bears quite a similarity to a favorite in many West African households – the aromatic and hearty pork stew. The incorporation of curry powder creates a sense of familiarity while the inclusion of Italian herbs such as parsley, basil, and rosemary injects an exciting new twist. This harmonious blend of flavors yields a dish that truly celebrates my Afro-Italian fusion kitchen.
This recipe might work well with side dishes like steamed rice or warm ciabatta to soak up the flavorful sauce. Or perhaps, you could try serving it with a side of greens for a delightful contrast. The possibilities are plentiful and the choice, all yours.
Inspiration Behind The Recipe
My inspiration for this version of Curry Pork Loin stems from the masterful work of Italian culinary legend Michael Chiarello. Chiarello has always represented passion and joy in Italian cooking, encouraging home cooks like me to experiment and be innovative.
Just like Chiarello, it’s my desire to inspire others too, to venture beyond their traditional food cultures and to fuse together different culinary elements. Food doesn’t just satiate our hunger, it tells a story, it brings people together and it allows us to travel the world from our own kitchen.
I may be a lawyer by profession, but creating and sharing recipes like this Curry Pork Loin, gives me joy like no courtroom victory ever has. So, pour yourself a glass of white wine and don your apron, because the world is your kitchen and your palate, an eager explorer.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds pork loin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Method
Step One
First, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the pork loin to the pan, season it with salt and ground black pepper.
Step Two
Proceed to sear the pork loin until all sides are browned. This usually takes about 5 minutes for each side. After browning the pork loin, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the curry powder. Cook it in the oil for 2 minutes until it’s fragrant, then add the white wine to the pan. Stir well, ensuring you scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan.
Step Four
Next, add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and the chopped red and green bell peppers to the pan. Cook these for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened.
Step Five
After the vegetables are ready, add the chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes to the pan, stir everything well.
Step Six
Return the browned pork loin to the pan, nestling it among the vegetables. Cover the pan, lower the heat to low and allow everything to simmer. This should take about 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
Step Seven
Towards the end of the cooking, add the chopped fresh parsley, basil, and rosemary to the pan. Stir these in and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step Eight
Once everything is thoroughly cooked, carefully remove the pork loin from the pan. Slice the pork and serve it with the curry sauce and vegetables from the pan. Enjoy your delicious curry pork loin!