Involtini di Lonza al Limone – A Savory Pork Roll with Citrus Filling
If you’re searching for a delightful, flavorful dish to impress your guests or make a simple family dinner feel special, the Involtini di Lonza al Limone is the perfect choice. This Italian classic features tender pork loin wrapped around a zesty and aromatic filling made with breadcrumbs, herbs, and citrus, creating a combination of flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is quick and easy to prepare and will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe for this mouthwatering pork dish.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Involtini di Lonza al Limone (Lemon Pork Loin Rolls)
- Category: Secondi Piatti (Main Course)
- Servings: 8 portions
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork Loin (lonza di maiale) | 700g |
| Bread (pane) | 150g |
| Orange Zest (scorza d’arancia) | 1 |
| Lemon Zest (scorza di limone) | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (olio extravergine d’oliva) | 5 tbsp |
| Fresh Thyme (timo) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Marjoram (maggiorana) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Parsley (prezzemolo) | 2 tbsp |
| Black Pepper (pepe nero) | To taste |
| Fine Salt (sale fino) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
To begin preparing your Involtini di Lonza al Limone, start with the filling. Cut off the crust from the loaf of bread using a sharp knife. Once the crust is removed, break the bread into small pieces and transfer it to a food processor. Add the fresh parsley, marjoram, and thyme to the processor along with the bread. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, herby breadcrumb texture.
Step 2: Add the Zest and Oil
Next, grate the zest from both the lemon and orange. This will bring a citrusy freshness to the filling. Add the citrus zest to the breadcrumb mixture in the food processor. Drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil to help bind it together. Blend until well combined and set the filling aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pork Loin
Now, it’s time to work with the pork loin. Lay the slices of pork between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the pork slices until they are evenly thin, making them perfect for rolling. Season each slice with a pinch of fine salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Involtini
Once the pork is prepared, spoon a generous amount of the prepared filling onto each slice. Carefully roll up the pork slices, securing each roll with a toothpick to hold the filling in place. Repeat this process until all the pork is rolled.
Step 5: Bake the Involtini
Take an oven-safe baking dish and coat it with a light drizzle of olive oil. Place the stuffed pork rolls into the baking dish, making sure they are snugly placed to prevent them from unrolling. Drizzle the rolls with a little more olive oil for an added touch of flavor and moisture.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if using a conventional oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-forced oven. Bake the pork rolls for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Once your Involtini di Lonza al Limone are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully discard the toothpicks. Serve the rolls hot, alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a light and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
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Bread Choice: Use a hearty, rustic bread for the filling, as softer, fluffier breads might not hold up as well during the blending process.
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Herb Variations: You can experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or basil to personalize the flavor profile of the filling.
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Citrus Zest: Be sure to use fresh lemon and orange zest for a bright, aromatic finish. The zest adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
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Cooking Time: The cooking time might vary slightly based on the thickness of the pork rolls. Be sure to check for doneness, and if necessary, add a few more minutes in the oven.
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Serve with a Side: These savory pork rolls pair wonderfully with roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a fresh tomato salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of tender, juicy pork and a fragrant herb-citrus filling is what makes Involtini di Lonza al Limone so special. Each bite delivers a burst of fresh, zesty flavors that beautifully complement the richness of the pork. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a dish to serve at a dinner party, these pork rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By following these simple steps, you can recreate this delicious Italian dish right at home. Impress your guests with this flavorful, citrus-infused main course, and enjoy the compliments!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your Involtini di Lonza al Limone from Love With Recipes!
For more mouthwatering recipes, visit Love With Recipes.
