Pork Roast With Minted Couscous
A tender roasted pork loin infused with rosemary, served alongside fragrant minted couscous for a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Ask the butcher to crack the pork loin roast so it is cut through at the bone.
- Coat the pork with salt and pepper.
- Place fresh or dried rosemary between each crack in the roast.
- Coat the outside of the roast with rosemary.
- Broil the roast for a few minutes to brown it.
- Bake the roast at 350°F for about 1.5 hours until cooked through.
- Cook couscous according to package instructions.
- Fluff the cooked couscous and stir in 1/4 cup olive oil and chopped fresh mint.
- Serve the sliced pork roast with the minted couscous.
Tips & Substitutions
For a juicier roast, consider marinating the pork loin overnight in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. If you don't have fresh mint, dried mint can be a substitute, but use less since it's more concentrated. To enhance the couscous, you can add diced tomatoes or feta cheese for added flavor, making it a perfect companion for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sliced pork roast alongside the minted couscous for a delightful meal. A fresh Spinach Salad With Variety pairs beautifully with this dish, adding a crisp contrast. For a complete experience, consider offering crusty bread or roasted vegetables as side dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork roast and minted couscous in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pork in the oven at 350°F until heated through, and microwave the couscous for a quick warm-up, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Roast With Minted Couscous contains roughly 118 calories, with 23g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 536mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork shoulder or tenderloin as alternatives if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tenderloin cooks faster, usually needing about 25-30 minutes, while shoulder may require a longer cooking time due to its fat content.
What can I serve with the pork roast and couscous?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, such as carrots and asparagus, or a refreshing salad. Grilled or sautéed greens can also complement the flavors nicely. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Greek Style Beans for a delightful Mediterranean touch.
How do I know when the pork roast is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. After removing it from the oven, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing, which helps the juices redistribute for a tender finish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).