Pork roll stuffed with spinach, cheese, and tomato is a delicious and impressive dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Here’s a recipe to guide you through making it:
Ingredients:
For the Pork Roll:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork loin, trimmed and pounded to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stuffing:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice, such as provolone or fontina)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (or 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Basting and Cooking:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Mix well.
3. Prepare the Pork Loin:
- Lay the pork loin on a flat surface and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the pork, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll and Secure:
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the pork loin up tightly to enclose the stuffing.
- Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at intervals (about every 2 inches) to hold its shape during cooking.
- You can also use toothpicks to secure the ends if you prefer.
5. Sear the Pork:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork roll on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Bake the Pork Roll:
- Once seared, remove the pork roll from the skillet and set it aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Place the pork roll back in the skillet and drizzle with any remaining deglazing liquid.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the pork roll from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into medallions and serve with the pan juices drizzled over the top.
This pork roll pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Enjoy your flavorful and elegant dish! If you have any more questions or need additional tips, feel free to ask.
