Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin Roast with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin Roast with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
Description
The Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin Roast is prepared by coating a tied pork loin with a tangy-sweet glaze made from pomegranate molasses and apple cider, then roasting it with sweet onions and sliced garlic to infuse flavor throughout. The pork is roasted first at a higher temperature to develop a crust, then lowered to finish cooking to a moist interior; using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure ideal doneness. The pan drippings are combined with chicken stock and cream over low heat to create a smooth sauce that complements the pork.
Rosemary smashed potatoes are made from baby Yukon Gold potatoes boiled until tender, then gently smashed and flavored with butter, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper, creating a creamy yet textured side. Pomegranate arils add color and a fresh burst when served alongside the pork and potatoes, while Brussels sprouts provide a green vegetable element to balance the plate.
Ingredients
- 1 pork loin roast 2 to 3 pound, tied with string (ask your butcher to do this
- ¼ cup pomegranate molasses
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- 1 onion chopped, sweet
- 2 garlic thinly sliced, cloves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup cream
- pomegranate arils for garnish and serving
- Brussels sprouts for serving on the side
rosemary smashed potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes baby
- 6 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 2 tablespoons rosemary chopped, fresh
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses and apple cider.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan. Add the onions around it. If desired, you can cut slits into the pork roast and place the garlic slices inside! Otherwise, just add the garlic to the pan with hte onions.
- Brush the pork all over the with pomegranate cider mixture, then pour the rest on top. Season with the salt and pepper.
- Roast the pork for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and roast for 45 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. It is SO important to use a meat thermometer here - this way, the pork can stay moist!
- Remove the pork from the roasting pan and place it on the cutting board. Let the pork sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
- In the meantime, place the roasting pan (leave the onions in it) over medium-low heat. Stir in the stock and cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s slightly thickened. This pan sauce creates a delicious optional gravy.
- Slice the pork roast and serve it with a sprinkling of pomegranate arils, the brussels, smashed potatoes and pan sauce.
rosemary smashed potatoes
- While the pork is roasting, make your potatoes. Fill a pot with the potatoes, cover them with cold water and add a few pinches of salt. Bring the pot to a boil. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the garlic and rosemary. Turn off the heat.
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain the water and add the potatoes back to the pot. Begin to mash them (skin and all!) with a potato masher or fork. Stream in the melted rosemary butter. Add in the salt and pepper. Smash some more and taste. If desired, season with more salt and pepper.