Imagine impressing your family and friends with a stunning dish that not only looks gourmet but is also bursting with flavor! The Mustard Thyme Pork Roulade is a delightful French-inspired recipe that combines succulent pork loin with the zesty kick of Dijon mustard and the aromatic essence of fresh thyme. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, this roulade is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. With just a little preparation and a few simple steps, you can create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork loin
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Remove the pork loin and pat it dry with paper towels. Butterfly the pork loin by making a horizontal cut along the long side, opening it like a book to create an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Cover the butterflied pork with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to ensure an even thickness of approximately 1/4 inch, being careful not to tear the meat.
- Season the interior of the pork loin with salt and pepper. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly across the inner surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme and chopped spinach evenly over the mustard, creating a uniform layer of herbs and greens.
- Carefully roll the pork loin tightly from one long side to the other, creating a compact roulade. Secure the roll with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals to maintain its shape during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the exterior of the roulade with additional salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roulade on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet with the roulade directly into the preheated oven. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the roulade rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. This will ensure the meat remains moist and tender.
- Remove the kitchen twine, slice the roulade into 1-inch thick medallions, and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best results, select a fresh, high-quality pork loin. This will ensure tenderness and flavor in your roulade.
- Pound Evenly: When butterflying and pounding the pork, aim for an even thickness to promote uniform cooking. This will help the roulade cook evenly and prevent any dry spots.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of the pork and the mustard.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the roulade to rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender when sliced.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your roulade with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can add other ingredients like cheese or different herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
