What is Porchetta?
Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish that consists of a whole pork loin and belly rolled together, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, and slow-roasted until tender. The result is a succulent and crispy roast that is bursting with flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg boneless pork belly
- 1 kg boneless pork loin
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by laying the pork belly skin-side down and score the skin in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Make sure not to cut too deeply into the meat. This will help the fat render and make the skin crispy during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Meat
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, sage, fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a flavorful herb and spice blend. Rub this mixture all over the pork belly and loin, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Roll and Tie the Porchetta
Place the seasoned pork loin on top of the pork belly. Starting from one end, tightly roll the meats together, making sure to keep the skin on the outside. Use kitchen twine to tie the porchetta every inch or so to secure the shape.
Step 4: Let it Rest
Once your porchetta is rolled and tied, transfer it to a roasting pan and let it rest in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 12 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the skin to dry out, resulting in crispier crackling.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Roast
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the porchetta from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Crank Up the Heat
To achieve crispy crackling, increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C). Continue roasting the porchetta for an additional 20-30 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove the porchetta from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist roast. Slice the porchetta into thick slices and serve it as a centerpiece for your meal.
Now that you know how to cook porchetta in the oven, it’s time to give it a try! Impress your guests with this mouthwatering Italian dish that is guaranteed to leave them wanting more. Buon appetito!