| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 70 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 30g | 9g | 1g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0.5g | 0.5g | 40g | 0.43g |
I’ll admit it, I fell head over heels in love with the “Pork Loin with Lovage Seed Rub” the moment I laid eyes on it. A juicy pork loin encased with a lavish rub of lovage seeds, salt, and an array of spices. This isn’t just heartfelt cuisine—this is a taste of home, a love letter straight from the heartland of Nebraska.
A Masterpiece of Flavor
Now, what’s particularly fantastic about this recipe, is the rub. Lovage seeds provide a touch of earthy, celery-like aroma but with a more complex flavor profile. This, peppered with paprika’s savory elements, results in a masterpiece that’s itchy on the taste buds and keeps you coming back for more.
The cuisines this dish draws inspiration from are far and wide, but it is distantly familiar to the seasoned pork from the Franconian lands in Germany, albeit with a unique Midwestern spin. Additionally, this pork loin would pair excellently with a tempting oven-roasted vegetable medley for a complete meal.
A Touch of Health
But it’s not just the flavors that have me smitten with this recipe. You see, contrary to the common perception, pork loin is incredibly nutritious. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, packed with essential vitamins and minerals and lower in fat than many other meats. Couple that with the lovage seeds, armed with a remarkable kick of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, and you have a hearty dinner that’s not just mouth-watering but replete with goodness for your body.
All in all, this “Pork Loin with Lovage Seed Rub” is more than just a recipe. It’s a seamless marriage of savors and aromas rooted in the heartland, health consciousness, and comfort. This dish embodies why I love what I do—drawing from my beloved homeland of Nebraska and imparting a Midwestern essence into every forkful.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds pork loin, boneless
- 1 tablespoon lovage seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
Step One
Prepare the rub by combining the lovage seeds, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and, if you’re using it, the cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix all the seasoning together until well blended.
Step Two
Take the boneless pork loin and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the spice rub adhere better to the meat.
Step Three
Sprinkle the spice mixture generously all over the pork loin, pressing gently so that it sticks to the surface of the meat. Make sure to get the rub into any crevices in the meat.
Step Four
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork loin, searing each side until golden brown. This will help to lock in the juices and flavor from the rub.
Step Five
Once the pork loin has been browned on all sides, move the pan to a preheated 375-degree oven. Roast the pork loin for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit when read on a meat thermometer.
Step Six
Let the pork loin rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to serve. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful roast.
