Roast Pork With Spiced Cherry Sauce
Tender roast pork paired with a vibrant spiced cherry sauce creates a flavorful centerpiece perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. rolled, boneless pork loin roast ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. rubbed sage ⓘ
- 16 oz. can pitted sour red cherries ⓘ
- 12 cloves ⓘ
- 1 stick cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 or 4 drops red food coloring ⓘ
Instructions
- Season the pork loin roast with salt, pepper, and rubbed sage.
- Place the roast, fat side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until a meat thermometer registers 160°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork loin in the seasoning overnight. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, use fresh cherries instead of canned. Consider substituting the sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of red wine during cooking for complexity. If you want to experiment, browse more American recipes for different sauce options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast pork sliced, drizzled with the spiced cherry sauce. Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. This dish also goes wonderfully with Granny M'S Sweet Potato Candy for a sweet contrast. For an elegant touch, consider serving with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover roast pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roast Pork With Spiced Cherry Sauce contains roughly 942 calories, with 12g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2271mg per serving (99% 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 substitute the boneless pork loin roast with a pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts will have varying cooking times. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
How can I make the cherry sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the cherry sauce, you can decrease the amount of sugar and increase the vinegar slightly for balance. Adding a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice can also help to cut the sweetness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian option, consider using a hearty vegetable roast, such as a stuffed butternut squash or portobello mushrooms, and pair them with a cherry reduction sauce made from fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and vinegar. This creates a delicious, meat-free alternative.
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).