Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Compote

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
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Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Compote is a delightful combination of savory and sweet that makes for an impressive yet surprisingly easy main course. Perfect for autumn dinners, this recipe brings comforting warmth and a touch of elegance to your table.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Compote

Pork loin: The star of the dish, it’s tender, juicy, and takes on flavors beautifully. Look for a 3 lb piece for the best results.

Olive oil: Used to lock in moisture and help the herb crust adhere to the pork.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the pork and enhancing all the other flavors.

Rosemary and thyme: Fresh herbs that bring an aromatic depth to the crust, perfectly complementing the pork.

Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps to bind the herb crust to the meat.

Garlic: Provides a savory kick that elevates the overall taste profile.

Apples: The base of the compote, they bring natural sweetness and balance to the dish.

Brown sugar: Adds richness and depth to the apple compote.

Apple cider vinegar: Offers a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness, enhancing the apple flavor.

Water: Helps in cooking the apples evenly.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that add complexity and a hint of autumn to the compote.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • Let the pork rest after roasting to keep it juicy.
  • If you’re short on fresh herbs, dried ones work too, just use half the amount.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple arugula salad for a fresh contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, a pork tenderloin works too, but adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster.
What type of apples are best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great for their balance of sweetness and tartness.

Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Compote Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to go once your pork is prepped. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until they’re well combined. You’re creating a fragrant paste that’s going to transform your pork loin.

Take the pork loin and place it on a clean surface. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork, making sure you cover all sides evenly. This is crucial for getting that beautiful crust and full flavor in every bite.

Place the seasoned pork loin on a roasting pan. Pop it in the oven and let it roast for about an hour. You’re looking for the internal temperature to hit 145°F (63°C), so if you have a meat thermometer, this is the time to use it.

While the pork is roasting, it’s time to whip up the apple compote. In a saucepan, combine your diced apples with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set the pan over medium heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally. The apples should soften and the mixture will thicken after about 15 minutes.

Once the pork is done, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Slice the rested pork and serve it warm, with a generous spoonful of apple compote on the side. Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for holidays.
  • Combines classic flavors with a gourmet twist.
  • Uses fresh herbs for a fragrant, flavorful crust.
  • The apple compote adds a sweet contrast to the savory pork.

Ingredients

3 lb pork loin
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large apples, peeled and diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork loin evenly.
4. Place the pork loin on a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. While the pork is roasting, prepare the apple compote. In a saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the compote is thickened, about 15 minutes.
7. Once the pork is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve warm slices of pork loin with a generous spoonful of apple compote on the side.

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