Heavenly Herb-Crusted Porchetta: A Scrumptious Pork Roast Delight

Heavenly Herb-Crusted Porchetta: A Scrumptious Pork Roast Delight

Porchetta is a savory and flavorful Italian pork roast that is sure to impress anyone with its juicy and aromatic taste. The dish is known for its herb-crusted exterior which provides a wonderful blend of crispy and tender texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4 to 5-pound) pork belly, skin-on
• 2 pounds pork loin, center-cut
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, toasted and ground
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Olive oil, for rubbing

Instructions:

1. Butterfly the pork belly: Lay the pork belly, skin-side-down, on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a shallow incision along one side of the belly and open it up until it’s flat, creating an even thickness throughout.
2. Season the pork belly: Rub the minced garlic, rosemary, sage, ground fennel seeds, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon zest evenly over the interior surface of the pork belly.
3. Roll and tie the porchetta: Place the pork loin in the center of the seasoned pork belly. Roll the belly around the loin to form a tight cylinder. Use butcher’s twine to tie the roast at 1-inch intervals to keep it tightly rolled.
4. Rub the exterior: Rub the outside of the porchetta with olive oil and sprinkle generously with additional kosher salt to help crisp the skin.
5. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C).
6. Slow-roast the porchetta: Place the rolled and seasoned porchetta on a roasting rack inside a baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reads 145°F (63°C), approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
7. Crisp the skin: Increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) and continue to roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
8. Rest and slice: Remove the porchetta from the oven and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is succulent and flavorful.

Serving suggestion:
Slice the porchetta into 1-inch thick slices and serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The herb-infused flavors and crispy exterior make this dish a standout centerpiece for any special occasion or family dinner. Enjoy!