House steak

The house roast is a classic recipe, full of flavor and comfort, that reminds us of family Sunday dinners. Today, I will present to you a delicious version made with pork, but let’s not forget that this recipe is versatile and can also be successfully adapted for beef. You will discover step by step how to achieve a juicy, flavorful roast that will impress everyone at the table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Essential ingredients:
- 1 piece of pork loin (approximately 1 kg)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of Herbes de Provence (or a mix of your favorite herbs)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 200 ml of water
- 1 cup of red wine (optional, but recommended for a more intense flavor)
- Peppercorns (about 1 teaspoon)
- 50 g of butter

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork loin thoroughly under cold running water. It is essential to remove any impurities. Once washed, place it in a large pot with cold water. This is where the boiling process will begin. Bring the vinegar to a boil over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point.

2. Boiling and skimming: When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. During this time, it is important to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clearer and tastier roast.

3. Scoring the loin: After boiling, remove the loin from the water and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to score it in a checkerboard pattern, making deep cuts at intervals of 2-3 cm. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat better.

4. Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic (use a garlic press to get a fine paste), salt, ground pepper, and Herbes de Provence. Rub the pork loin well with melted butter, then use the spice mixture to massage into every crevice.

5. Preparing for the oven: In a baking dish, add a tablespoon of olive oil, the water, and the peppercorns. Place the pork loin in the dish, scored side up. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain the meat's juiciness during baking.

6. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven for about 45 minutes. After this period, remove the aluminum foil and add the red wine to the dish. This will contribute to a deep flavor and help form a delicious crust on the meat. Leave it in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meat becomes golden and crispy.

7. Serving: When the roast is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to maintain the meat's juiciness. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, and a portion of pickled cauliflower will add a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Useful tips:
- To achieve perfect mashed potatoes, use waxy potatoes and add butter and milk to taste.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can marinate the pork loin in red wine and spices a few hours before cooking.
- A good serving suggestion is to add a fresh green salad on the side, which will provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the roast's texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins (especially B12), and minerals such as zinc and iron. Garlic provides additional benefits with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. By varying the ingredients, you can create a healthy and balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use beef instead of pork? Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, so make sure you have patience.
- How can I make this recipe quicker? You can use a pressure cooker to reduce boiling time, but you will need to adjust the oven temperature accordingly.
- What wine would pair best with this roast? A dry red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, will perfectly complement the flavors.

I hope this house roast recipe made with pork has whetted your appetite and will accompany you on your culinary adventures! Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a special occasion, it is guaranteed to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it. Enjoy your meal!