Description
A classic Italian porchetta featuring herb-stuffed pork belly rolled around tenderloin, slow-roasted until juicy with perfectly crisp crackling.
Ingredients
- 2.5 tbsp fresh rosemary (needles only)
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon (zest only)
- 2 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley (roughly chopped)
- 3–3.5 lb pork belly (skin on, ~approx 12in x 12in)
- 1–2 lb pork tenderloin (~approx 3 inches in diameter, optional)
Instructions
- In a small frying pan, lightly toast 2 tsp of rosemary needles with the fennel seeds over low heat, shaking constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let cool and roughly chop. Transfer to a bowl and mix with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. In another bowl, combine lemon zest and parsley.
- Place the pork belly skin side down on a cutting board and lightly score the meat in a diamond pattern. Sprinkle with half of the salt rub and top with all of the herb mixture. Place the tenderloin in the center if using.
- Tightly roll the pork belly, skin side out, around the tenderloin and secure with kitchen twine. Rub the skin with the remaining salt rub. For best results, wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Pat the porchetta dry and lightly rub with neutral oil. Place on a rack in a roasting pan, seam side down. Roast for 2-3 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Increase oven temperature to 450°F and roast for 20-25 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, checking frequently. Remove, rest for 15-20 minutes, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Letting the porchetta rest overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Ensure the skin is very dry before roasting for optimal crackling.
- Use a sharp knife or serrated blade to slice through the crispy skin.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
