Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Pan Gravy

Name: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Pan Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds center cut pork loin; 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped); 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 teaspoon fennel seed; 1 teaspoon whole mustard seed; 1 pound yukon gold or other white potato; 3 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1" pieces); 1 large onion (cut into small wedges); 2 tablespoons pan drippings; 1 1/2 tablespoons Wondra flour ((or all purpose)); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; salt and pepper to taste

Here’s an easy pork roast recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for company or the holidays. Herb crusted pork loin with a homemade pan gravy and lots of caramelized vegetables is an easy one-pan meal the whole family will love.

This week is back to class for most of the students in our area and I think a nice family dinner is a great way to start off the new school year. This spiced pork loin is easy to make and best of all, the oven does most of the work. You’ll have no problem getting the kids to the kitchen when herb crusted pork loin with pan gravy hits the table.

This herb crusted pork roast is a busy parents’ best friend because it’ll feed the whole family, delivers big flavor and (usually) there’s enough for leftovers, not to mention, pork loin is a really economical cut .

Spice Blend For

Herb Crusted Pork Loin:

The crust for this spiced pork roast is a savory blend of fresh herbs and dried spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Thyme
Fresh Rosemary
Mustard Seed
Dried Fennel Seed
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Rub the pork with olive oil and then coat it with the herb/spice rub. This can be done at the last minute or if you really want those flavors to soak in, let it marinate all day or overnight. The key to this herb crusted pork loin recipe is the VERY hot oven temperature. 500°. Yep – scorching. The hot oven quickly seals in the juices and helps develop that golden crust.

While the pork is roasting, prep the vegetables. I used onions, potatoes and carrots, but any kind of root vegetable would work well. Try it with butternut squash or acorn squash, parsnips, or rutabaga.

Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil and the remainder of the herb rub, then transfer them to the pan with the herb crusted pork loin. They’ll roast with the pork and pickup some of those flavors along the way.

Remove the spiced pork roast when the internal temperature reaches 140° and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the herb crusted pork loin with foil while it rests. There is some controversy as to whether or not to tent your meat. I choose to tent mine, because my air conditioning vents blow cold in my kitchen (this is South Florida) but do what works for you.

The vegetables need to cook a little longer and get more caramelization, so as the spiced pork roast rests, cook the vegetables for about 10 more minutes in the hot oven. While the veg finishes in the oven, the roast rests and will give the juices a chance to redistribute throughout your herb crusted pork loin.

Pan Gravy: The Secret Ingredient…

One of my family’s favorite things is homemade pan gravy. It’s a simple lush sauce that naps a perfectly cooked piece of meat. So, despite how tender and juicy this easy pork roast recipe is, I knew a good pan gravy was a must, and it didn’t take longer than 5 minutes to make. The key to a good pan gravy, IMO, is the acid. If you simply add flour and stock to the drippings, you’ll get a flabby, one-note sauce, however just a few shakes of red wine vinegar adds a whole new dimension. I ALWAYS add it — and it’s ALWAYS a hit.

Slice the spiced pork roast into 1/3″ – 1/2″ slices and transfer to a serving platter.

Spoon the oven roasted vegetables around the pork and serve with the pan gravy on the side. Prepare yourself for the “oohs” and “aahs” and general accolade that’s usually reserved for a holiday meal. This easy pork roast recipe with roasted vegetables and pan gravy is sure to be a hit in your house.

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