Herb Roasted Pork Loin and Potatoes: A Flavorful Family Feast

This Herb Roasted Pork Loin and Potatoes recipe is a culinary masterpiece, perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive gathering. The pork loin, a lean and tender cut, is infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Paired with perfectly roasted potatoes, this dish offers a complete and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Aromatic:** The herb blend elevates the pork loin to a whole new level, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Prepare:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
* **Complete Meal:** The combination of pork loin and potatoes provides a balanced and satisfying meal in one pan.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the herbs and spices to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
* **Impressive Presentation:** This dish looks beautiful on a platter, making it perfect for entertaining guests.

## Ingredients

* **Pork Loin:** 2-3 pound pork loin roast, trimmed of excess fat
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, divided
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (or 2 tablespoons of dried Italian herbs)
* **Spices:** 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* **Lemon:** 1 lemon, sliced
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup (optional, for deglazing the pan)
* **Optional vegetables:** Carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts

## Equipment

* Large roasting pan
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Meat thermometer

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows for a good sear while ensuring the pork cooks through evenly.
2. **Prepare the Herb Rub:** In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage (or Italian herbs), salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a fragrant herb paste.
3. **Season the Pork:** Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes browning. Generously rub the herb paste all over the pork loin, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to really massage the rub into the meat.

### Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Wash and quarter the potatoes. If using larger potatoes, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the pork.
2. **Season the Potatoes:** In the same mixing bowl (or a separate one), toss the potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like. Make sure the potatoes are well coated with oil and seasonings.

### Step 3: Roast the Pork Loin and Potatoes

1. **Arrange in Roasting Pan:** Place the potatoes in a single layer in the roasting pan. Arrange the lemon slices amongst the potatoes. Place the herb-crusted pork loin on top of the potatoes. This arrangement allows the potatoes to roast in the flavorful drippings from the pork.
2. **Roast:** Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork loin, avoiding bone.
3. **Basting (Optional):** For extra flavor and moisture, baste the pork loin with the pan drippings every 15-20 minutes during the roasting process. This helps to keep the pork moist and adds a beautiful glaze.
4. **Adding additional vegetables (optional):** If you want to add carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts, or other vegetables, add them to the pan along with the potatoes. Root vegetables may require to be added earlier than leafy vegetables as they need a longer cooking time.

### Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. **Rest:** Once the pork loin reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork loin. Cover the pork loosely with foil during resting.
2. **Deglaze Pan (Optional):** While the pork is resting, you can deglaze the roasting pan to create a flavorful pan sauce. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth (or wine). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the pork loin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Serve the sliced pork loin and roasted potatoes immediately. Drizzle with the pan sauce (if made) or serve with your favorite gravy or sauce.

## Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Cut of Pork:** Pork loin is a lean and tender cut, but it can dry out if overcooked. A pork tenderloin is another option, but it will cook much faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pork:** The most important tip is to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the correct internal temperature. Overcooked pork will be dry and tough. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork loin, followed by a 3-minute rest.
* **Let the Pork Rest:** Resting the pork after cooking is crucial for retaining its juices and ensuring a tender result. Don’t skip this step!
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs provide the best flavor for this recipe. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or use a different herb blend altogether.
* **Crispy Potatoes:** For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil them for 5-7 minutes before roasting. This will help them to cook more evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
* **One-Pan Meal Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Make ahead:** You can rub the pork loin with the herb mixture a day ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

## Variations

* **Maple-Glazed Pork Loin:** Brush the pork loin with a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar during the last 15 minutes of roasting for a sweet and tangy glaze.
* **Honey-Garlic Pork Loin:** Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful marinade for the pork loin.
* **Spicy Pork Loin:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the herb rub for a spicy kick.
* **Pork Loin with Apples:** Add sliced apples to the roasting pan along with the potatoes for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
* **Mediterranean Pork Loin:** Use Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, basil, and mint, and add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the roasting pan.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve the herb roasted pork loin and potatoes with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
* **Green Beans:** A simple side of steamed or roasted green beans is a perfect complement to this dish.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork and potatoes.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.
* **Apple Sauce:** A classic accompaniment to pork, applesauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.

## Storage

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover pork loin and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pork loin and potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze leftover pork loin for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Herb Roasted Pork Loin and Potatoes recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and delicious flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and the satisfying taste of this classic meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Happy cooking!