Porchetta Roast Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 6 minutes per loaf | Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes

Difficulty: Medium | Servings: 10

A savory masterpiece, this Porchetta Roast combines tender pork belly and loin seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. Whether served hot as a centerpiece or chilled for sandwiches, this traditional Italian dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• Meat:
• 1 pork belly
• 1 small pork tenderloin
• Seasoning:
• 9-12 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
• 3-4 sage leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 tablespoons coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seasoning:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped garlic, sage leaves, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a seasoning blend.
2. Prepare and Season the Meat:
• Clean the pork belly and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the pork belly, making shallow cuts into the meat without piercing the skin. Rub the seasoning mix into the cuts.
• Butterfly the pork tenderloin by slicing it open lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Rub the seasoning mix inside the open part of the tenderloin.
• Re-roll the pork tenderloin and place it inside the pork belly. Roll the pork belly tightly around the tenderloin to form a "log."
3. Tie and Wrap the Porchetta:
• Secure the roast with butcher’s twine, tying it at regular intervals to hold the shape. Wrap the tied roast tightly in aluminum foil.
4. Roast the Porchetta:
• Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the foil-wrapped porchetta on a sheet pan.
• Roast in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 120°F.
5. Unwrap and Broil:
• Carefully remove the porchetta from the oven and unwrap the foil. Return the porchetta to the oven on a raised rack over a pan.
• Bake for an additional 1 hour, or until the skin becomes crispy and browned to your liking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
6. Finish and Serve:
• Once the porchetta has developed a golden, crispy crust, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Serve hot as a main dish with sides like roasted potatoes and vegetables, or refrigerate and slice thinly for sandwiches.

Pro Tips:

• Perfect Scoring: When scoring the pork belly, be careful not to cut too deep into the meat to preserve the skin for a crispier finish.
• Resting Time: Letting the meat rest for 10 minutes after roasting will lock in the juices, making the meat more tender when sliced.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair the porchetta with roasted root vegetables and a fresh green salad for a well-balanced meal.

Enjoy this Porchetta Roast, a classic Italian dish that brings bold flavors and crispy textures to your table! Whether served warm or cold, this roast is sure to impress.