Savory Garlic Apple Roast Pork Loin

Roast Pork with Garlic and Apples
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6

This delightful Roast Pork with Garlic and Apples, a succulent and flavorful dish that brings a perfect balance of savory and sweet, will surely become a family favorite. It’s an elegant and hearty meal, ideal for any special occasion or a comforting Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

• Brine Mixture:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
  • 4 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cups cold water

• Pork and Apple Preparation:

  • 2½ pounds pork loin, trimmed
  • 2 apples, cored and sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparing the Brine

1. Create the Brine: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 2 cups of water on HIGH for about 3 minutes until it’s steaming. Stir in the sliced apple, kosher salt, sugar, minced garlic, whole black peppercorns, and fresh sage leaves. Keep stirring until the sugar and salt have nearly dissolved.

2. Cool the Brine: Add 2 cups of cold water to the brine mixture. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

3. Marinate the Pork: Pour the cooled brine into a large, heavy-duty resealable storage bag. Place the pork loin inside the bag. Push out any excess air and seal the bag tightly. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even brining.

Preparing the Pork and Apples

4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Arrange the sliced apples in a 11 x 7-inch baking dish and set aside.

6. Make the Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, olive oil, cider vinegar, ground pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful rub.

7. Prepare the Pork: Remove the pork from the brine, discarding the brine and any solids. Rinse the pork under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the garlic mixture all over the pork loin.

8. Assemble for Baking: Place the pork on top of the sliced apples in the baking dish.

9. Bake: Roast the pork and apples in the preheated oven until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork reads 160°F (71°C). This should take about 60 to 70 minutes.

10. Rest the Pork: Once cooked, transfer the pork to a serving platter and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for a few minutes.

11. Prepare the Apples: Remove the apples from the baking dish, coarsely chop them, and transfer them to a bowl. Skim any fat from the drippings left in the pan and stir the drippings into the chopped apples.

12. Serve: Slice the pork and serve it alongside the apples, making sure to spoon some of the delicious apple drippings over the top.

Enjoy this flavorful Roast Pork with Garlic and Apples as a centerpiece for your meal, combining the rich taste of roasted pork with the sweet and tangy notes of baked apples. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Happy cooking from Love With Recipes!