Stuffed Pork Loin
Spinach, dried cherries, and nuts make the stuffing in this delicious pork recipe. Amaze the guests at your next dinner party with the beautiful presentation.
Prep Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 35 mins
Servings:
12 servings
Ingredients
-
3 ounces fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1/2 cup chopped dried tart cherries
-
3/4 cup cooked wild rice
-
3/4 teaspoon dried sage, crushed
-
1/3 cup chopped pecans
-
3/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1 3 1/2-pound boneless pork center loin roast
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon dried sage, ground
-
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, ground
-
1/2 cup apricot jam
-
3 tablespoons water
Directions
1.
In a large skillet, cook spinach in hot oil until wilted. In a medium bowl combine cooked spinach, dried cherries, wild rice, 3/4 teaspoon sage, pecans, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.
2.
Preheat oven to 325F. Trim excess fat from pork. To pinwheel the pork loin, start cutting lengthwise 1/2 inch under the fat cap on the roast. As you cut the roast, gently rotate the roast at the same time. This will allow the roast to "unroll" as you cut it. When the roast is completely cut, it should be a rectangular piece of meat between 1/2 and 1 inch thick.
3.
Sprinkle cut surface of meat with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon sage, and the thyme. Spread spinach mixture over cut side. Roll up the loin tightly to resemble the initial roast. Tie securely with twine.
4.
Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan; insert a meat thermometer into thickest part. Roast in preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, or until oven thermometer registers 140 degrees F .
5.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt apricot jam and water together.
6.
Remove roast from oven and brush on about half of the apricot jam. Return to oven and continue cooking 10 to 15 minutes or until thermometer registers 150 degrees F . Remove from oven; brush with remaining apricot mixture. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes in a warm place before carving. The temperature of the meat after standing should be 160F
Nutrition information
Calories 330, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat 6 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 315 mg, Carbohydrate 23 g, Total Sugar 12 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 31 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 6%, Calcium 3%, Iron 9%.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Add Your Review
how-tos
Recommended Recipe:
Tuscan-Style Roast Pork with Rosemary, Sage, and Garlic
This juicy roast gets a flavorful, burnished crust from its time on a rotisserie grill. If you don't have a rotisserie, you can grill the pork over indirect heat for equally delicious results. Steer clear of pork loins labeled "extra tender" or "guaranteed tender," because they've been treated with sodium phosphate and water and will be too salty if brined.
See RecipeMore Great Recipe Ideas from Heart-Healthy Living
