- Brown sugar (for added sweetness and caramelization)
- Lemon juice (to balance flavors)
*Keywords optimized: apple and prune stuffed pork loin, pork loin recipe, stuffing ingredients, dried prunes, fresh apples, herb seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice.*
Steps
### Apple and Prune Stuffed Pork Loin Recipe
#### Introduction
Apple and prune stuffed pork loin is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the natural flavor of prunes to create a harmonious blend of tastes. This recipe uses SEO-friendly keywords like "apple and prune," "stuffed pork loin," and "seasoning" to help optimize search results.
#### Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) boneless pork loin, tied
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use a combination of tart and sweet varieties for best flavor)
- 1 cup dried prunes, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to soften
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
#### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and season it generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
**Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, soaked prunes (drain before mixing), minced garlic, chopped sage or rosemary, breadcrumbs, and a bit of olive oil.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add a beaten egg if you prefer a more cohesive stuffing.
**Step 3: Stuff the Pork Loin**
1. Open the pork loin carefully along its seam using kitchen shears or by gently cutting through it without separating the halves entirely.
2. Place the stuffing mixture inside the pork loin, spreading it evenly and making sure to fill the entire cavity. Ensure there are no air pockets as this can affect cooking.
3. Close the pork loin back up, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
**Step 4: Roast the Pork Loin**
1. Place the stuffed pork loin on a rack in a roasting pan and brush it with olive oil or melted butter for added flavor.
2. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin reads 145°F (63°C).
3. Allow the pork loin to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
**Step 5: Serve**
1. Slice the pork loin and arrange on a platter.
2. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
#### Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush the outside of the pork loin with honey or apple cider glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Ensure your stuffing mixture is not too wet to avoid it falling out during cooking.
By following these detailed steps and using this SEO-friendly formatting, you can create a delicious and visually appealing apple and prune stuffed pork loin that will impress both yourself and your guests.