PORK LOIN - Herb-Crusted Pork Roast with Ginger-Fig Compote

Categories:
Nb persons: 6
Yield:
Preparation time:
Total time:
Source:

Herb-Crusted Pork Roast with Ginger-Fig Compote F&W The Good News Loin, one of the leanest cuts of pork, is also one of Jan Birnbaum's favorite roasts. Here it's flavored by a tangy sauce made with ginger and figs, which are high in fiber and antioxidants. INGREDIENTS
6 large	garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
2 teaspoons	chopped rosemary
2 teaspoons	chopped thyme
2 teaspoons	whole-grain mustard
1 teaspoon	dried lavender
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons	extra-virgin olive oil
One 1 1/2-pound	boneless pork loin roast
1 cup	water
1/4 cup	honey
2 tablespoons	fresh lemon juice
One 1-inch piece	fresh ginger, peeled and very thinly sliced
6 allspice berries, cracked
6	black peppercorns, cracked
8	dried figs, left whole
	Salt
	freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup	raisins
1/2 cup	dry red wine
3/4 cup	low-sodium chicken broth

INSTRUCTIONS

In a bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, lavender and 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Add the pork and coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Bring the pork to room temperature before roasting.
In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, lemon juice, ginger, allspice and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Add the figs, cover and simmer over low heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°. Scrape the garlic and herbs from the pork and set them aside. Season the pork with salt and pepper. In a medium, ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the pork and cook over moderately high heat until browned all over, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork for about 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat registers 145° for medium. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the reserved garlic and herbs and cook over low heat until the garlic is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the raisins and wine and boil over moderately high heat until the wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth and boil for 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the figs to the skillet. Simmer over moderate heat until the liquid has reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Carve the pork into 1/2-inch slices and serve with the fig compote.
MAKE AHEAD
The figs can be refrigerated in their liquid for up to 5 days.

Back to Shop'NCook recipe database