Ingredients:

• 2.5 lb (about 1.2 kg) pork loin
• 0.5 lb (about 250 g) champignon mushrooms, sliced
• 0.3 lb (about 150 g) bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 tsp grainy mustard
• Fresh rosemary to taste (about 2-3 sprigs, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings:

• Serves: 6

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin

1. Season the Pork: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork loin dry with a paper towel, then generously season it with salt and pepper. Rub fresh rosemary over the pork, pressing gently to help the herbs adhere.
2. Sear the Pork: In a large, oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom-Bacon Mustard Glaze

1. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook over medium heat until it begins to brown and render fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper, but be cautious with salt as bacon is already salty.
3. Finish the Glaze: Add 3 teaspoons of grainy mustard to the mushroom-bacon mixture, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Roast the Pork Loin

1. Apply the Glaze: Spoon the mushroom-bacon mustard mixture over the top and sides of the pork loin, pressing down gently so the glaze adheres to the meat.
2. Roast: Transfer the skillet with the pork loin to the preheated oven. Roast for 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
3. Rest: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Slice the pork loin and serve with any remaining mushroom-bacon mixture from the skillet spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.

Why This Recipe is Timeless:

Herb-roasted meats are classics that transcend culinary trends, and the pairing of pork with herbs, mustard, and bacon is a tradition that many cultures celebrate. Pork is naturally flavorful, and the addition of rosemary and mustard complements its slight sweetness beautifully, while bacon adds a savory depth. This dish is an homage to timeless roast dinners, where humble ingredients combine to create something special. This recipe’s elegance lies in its simplicity, allowing each ingredient to enhance the other. And because of its classic flavor profile, it’s a dish that will always feel comforting and familiar.

Tips for Making the Perfect Herb-Crusted Pork Loin:

• Sear for Flavor: Searing the pork before roasting helps develop a deeper flavor by caramelizing the exterior. Don’t skip this step, as it contributes to the dish’s savory richness.
• Monitor the Temperature: Pork loin can dry out if overcooked, so it’s essential to monitor the internal temperature. A meat thermometer is the best tool to ensure the pork reaches a safe yet juicy temperature of 145°F.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Fresh rosemary has a more intense, aromatic flavor than dried. If fresh rosemary isn’t available, use dried rosemary, but reduce the amount by about half.
• Adjust Salt Cautiously: Bacon is already salty, so be mindful when seasoning. It’s always easier to add more salt at the end than to try to fix an overly salty dish.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying it out.
• Freeze: To freeze, slice the pork and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Leftover Ideas: Leftover pork loin slices make excellent sandwiches or can be used in stir-fries or casseroles. Pair with roasted vegetables for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I use other herbs besides rosemary?
  Absolutely. Thyme, sage, or even a bit of marjoram can work well with pork. Use fresh herbs if possible to get the most flavor.
• Is there a substitute for grainy mustard?
  If you don’t have grainy mustard, Dijon mustard works as a substitute. However, grainy mustard’s texture and milder flavor complement this dish well.
• What sides go well with this dish?
  Classic sides like roasted potatoes, green beans, or glazed carrots pair wonderfully with this roast. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness of the pork.

Conclusion:

This Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Mushroom-Bacon Mustard Glaze is a dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and timeless flavor. The tender, juicy pork is beautifully complemented by the rich, savory glaze, which brings together the earthy taste of mushrooms, the smoky depth of bacon, and the tangy brightness of mustard. With rosemary adding a fragrant note, each bite is layered with flavor.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s simple enough to make on a quiet weekend yet special enough to serve for a holiday meal or celebration. Roasting a pork loin gives you a juicy, satisfying main course that doesn’t require endless attention in the kitchen, freeing you up to enjoy the company of family and friends. And because it’s so versatile, you can pair it with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and a variety of sides to suit any occasion.

It’s recipes like this that remind us why certain flavors and techniques stand the test of time. With each bite, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal but also participating in a culinary tradition that has been cherished for generations. So the next time you want a dish that impresses yet feels familiar, try this Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Mushroom-Bacon Mustard Glaze. Enjoy it as a reminder that some dishes, no matter how simple, have a way of bringing warmth and joy to any table.