Description
A classic Italian roast pork recipe. Crispy skin and flavorful herb-infused meat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2.5 - 3 lbs (1134 - 1361 g) fresh pork belly
- 2.5 - 3 lbs (1134 - 1361 g) boneless pork loin
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp fennel seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 bulb (118 ml) fresh fennel
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh rosemary
- 0.25 cups (60 ml) fennel fronds
Instructions
- Set belly skin side up. Using a sharp knife or box cutter, score the skin in a diamond pattern, cutting only the skin itself.
- Flip the belly skin-side down and score the flesh in the same diamond pattern.
- Salt both sides of the belly and the loin. Set aside.
- Place fennel seeds in a hot sauté pan and toast until aromatic and starting to brown.
- Add olive oil, chopped fresh fennel, garlic, and rosemary; sauté until fennel is soft (about 4 minutes).
- Add chopped fennel fronds and remove from heat.
- Cover the loin and pork belly flesh with the seasoning mixture.
- Roll the belly around the loin, trimming if necessary to make the ends flush.
- Tie the roast with kitchen twine at 1/2” intervals.
- Place the roast on a wire rack in a sheet pan.
- Refrigerate uncovered for 1-2 days (optional) to allow seasoning to penetrate and skin to air-dry.
- Allow roast to sit at room temperature for 2 hours before cooking.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Roast for 45 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 300°F (149°C) and roast until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) (about 1 1/2 to 2 hours).
- If needed, broil to brown the skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- For optimal crispiness, ensure the pork skin is completely dry before roasting. Pat it dry with paper towels after refrigerating.
- Substitute fresh sage or thyme for some of the rosemary if desired, to complement the fennel.
- To reheat leftovers, slice thinly and pan-fry until heated through for best results. Avoid reheating in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 135 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200 g
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 150