| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 569 | 31g | 11g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 54g | 0.88g |
Why I Love Spanish Oven-Baked Pork Loin with Vegetable Garnish
There’s something about the simple, rustic charm of the Oven-Baked Pork Loin with Vegetable Garnish that draws me in every time, like a warm, inviting hearth on a cold winter’s night. Whether it’s the bite of the lean pork loin delicately seasoned with thyme and rosemary, or the comforting medley of hearty vegetables seasoned with a hint of garlic, every component of this Spanish recipe tells a unique, flavorful story.
An Ode to Comfort Food
While my heart remains forever tied to the comfort foods of my Nebraskan heritage, this Spanish classic gives our heartland favorites a good run for their money. The Oven-Baked Pork Loin with Vegetable Garnish holds up wonderfully next to my trusty Nebraska beef stews and corn casseroles. In fact, I can almost picture this dish being served up at our community potlucks back at church.
This dish evokes the same wholesome, earthy feeling that is at the heart of Midwestern comfort food. It’s a tribute to the no-nonsense, flavor-packed simplicity that I fell in love with in the farm-to-table cuisine of my home region.
Mirroring the Artistry of Great Chefs
Good cooking is about inspiration, and this recipe owes its existence to the unfussed, homely charm of none other than José Andrés. A Spanish-American chef known for his dedication to bringing Spanish flavors to the American palate, his approachable yet refined creations embody the spirit of this recipe.
Part of what makes this dish so appealing is its versatility. It’s incredibly similar to a traditional pot roast, yet it carries a distinct air of Mediterranean flair. It would pair beautifully with Spanish classics like rice pilaf or tortilla española. It’s the sort of dish that can easily accommodate seasonality, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables according to tastes and availability.
The Harmony of Simplicity and Freshness
The beauty of the Oven-Baked Pork Loin with Vegetable Garnish lies in its perfect balance of food – from the farm to the table. It is a testament to the fact that cooking, much like life, can be at its most delightful when it’s simple, hearty and shared with those we love.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup white wine
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green peas, shelled
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, season your pork loin with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and rosemary.
Step Two
In a large oven-safe frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your seasoned pork loin to the pan and sear each side for about 5 minutes, or until the meat is nicely browned.
Step Three
Once the pork is browned, pour the white wine into the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine has reduced slightly. Then, remove the pan from the stove and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the meat for about 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the pork loin.
Step Four
While the pork loin is baking, prepare your vegetable garnish. In a separate frying pan, sauté the sliced onions, carrots, bell peppers, and cubed potatoes in a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step Five
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and shelled green peas to the pan. Continue to cook the vegetables for a few more minutes, just until the peas are heated through and the tomatoes start to soften.
Step Six
After the pork loin has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister and more flavorful pork loin.
Step Seven
Slice the pork loin and serve it with the vegetable garnish on the side. Enjoy!
