Here is a festive roast the whole family can enjoy on Christmas day!
Ingredients
- 2.4kg boned rolled loin of pork, string removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt flakes
- 5 small pears, halved lengthways, cored
- 625ml (2 1/2 cups) red wine
- 625ml (2 1/2 cups) Massel chicken style liquid stock
Couscous & feta stuffing
- 70g (1/3 cup) couscous
- 125ml (1/2 cup) boiling water
- 80g fetta, crumbled
- 1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
Method
- Step 1Preheat oven to 230°C. To make the couscous & feta stuffing, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour over the boiling water. Cover and set aside for 5 minutes or until the liquid has absorbed. Use a fork to separate the grains. Add the feta, basil and lemon rind. Season with pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Step 2Place the pork, rind-side up, on a clean work surface. Use a sharp knife to score the rind crossways, into the fat layer, at 2cm intervals. Turn the pork over. Cut a horizontal slit in the thick end of the pork (don’t cut all the way through).
- Step 3Open the pork to sit flat. Place the stuffing mixture along the centre. Starting from the thick end, roll up firmly to enclose the filling. Use unwaxed white kitchen string to tie the pork crossways at 2cm intervals. (See tips.)
- Step 4Place the pork, rind-side up, in a large roasting pan. Drizzle over 1 tablespoon of oil, then rub the salt into the cuts. Roast for 35 minutes or until the rind crackles. Reduce oven temperature to 200°C. Roast for a further 20 minutes. Arrange the pear around the pork. Drizzle the remaining oil over the pear. Roast for a further 1 hour or until the pork is cooked through and the pear is golden and tender. Transfer the pork and pear to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and set aside to rest.
- Step 5Meanwhile, use a spoon to remove the top layer of oil from the pan, reserving any juices in the pan. Discard the oil. Add the red wine and stock to the juices in the pan and stir to combine. Place the pan over high heat and bring to the boil. Cook, stirring, for 30-35 minutes or until the jus thickens.
- Step 6Transfer the jus to a serving jug. Serve with the the pork and pear.
- High protein
- Low carb
- Low sugar
- Lower gi
Nutrition
2212 kj
Energy
26g
Fat Total
10g
Saturated Fat
3g
Fibre
52g
Protein
142mg
Cholesterol
1878.2mg
Sodium
7g
Carbs (sugar)
12g
Carbs (total)
Notes
Make it ahead: Prepare this recipe to the end of step 3 up to 4 hours ahead. Cover the pork with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Continue from step 4, 2 1/2 hours before serving. Time saving tip: To save time in step 2, buy your rolled pork loin with the rind already scored for you. Serving tip: For another delicious side dish, try serving this pork with our Roast Vegetables with Apple. (See related recipe) (((How to assemble the pork: ))) Tip 1: Place the couscous & feta stuffing loosely along the centre of the pork as the stuffing will expand as the pork cooks. Tip 2: Roll pork and tie at intervals to secure. Don’t tie it too tightly, or the pressure may squeeze out the stuffing during cooking.
- Author: Michelle Southan
- Image credit: John Paul Urizar
- Publication: Australian Good Taste