Raisin Challah and Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
- 3 to 3 1/2 pound boneless pork loin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 slices thick-cut apple smoked bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup minced shallots
- 1 1/4 cups finely chopped celery
- 2 cups unpeeled and small diced red Gala apples, about 2 small
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cups raisin challah bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 recipe Cider Sauce, recipe follows
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
- Place the pork loin on a clean surface and cut into 1 side of the meat leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Continue cutting the loin in a circular pattern, until the loin is able to be rolled out into a rectangle and is about 1/2-inch thick.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper on top of the pork and, using a meat mallet, pound the meat until it reaches an even thickness of about 1/2-inch.
- Season the top side of the pork loin with 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bacon and cook until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and, when the bacon grease is hot, add the shallots and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the celery and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the apples and cook an additional minute.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened but still retain their shape.
- Remove from the heat and cool slightly before proceeding.
- Place the slightly cooled apple mixture into a large bowl and toss with the raisin challah bread cubes.
- Add the chicken stock and stir just until moistened.
- Spread the stuffing evenly onto the seasoned pork loin, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll the pork loin and the stuffing, jelly-roll style, being careful that the stuffing does not ooze out of the ends.
- Secure the loin with butcher's twine at 1 1/2 to 2-inch intervals and rub with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Place the loin in a small roasting pan.
- Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top of the loin is lightly browned.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 150 degrees F. Allow the roast to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- Spoon some of the Cider Sauce over the stuffed pork loin slices and serve warm.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 cups dark chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- Place a 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan.
- When the butter melts, add the shallots to the pan and saute until softened, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the shallots, and stir to combine.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan with the cider vinegar and cook until the vinegar is nearly reduced, about 1 minute.
- Add the cider and the applesauce to the pan and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock and thyme to the pan, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until the sauce is slightly reduced and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and quickly stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Serve the sauce spooned over the pork loin.
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
pork loin, salt, freshly ground black pepper, apple smoked bacon, shallots, celery, red gala apples, garlic, thyme, bread, chicken stock, olive oil, recipe cider sauce
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/raisin-challah-and-apple-stuffed-pork-loin-recipe.html (may not work)