Traditional Italian Arrosto di Maiale Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless pork roast (about 3 pounds)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. While the oven is heating, take your pork roast and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper.
  4. Spread this mixture all over the pork roast.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the pork roast to the pan and brown it on all sides. This process should take about 10 minutes.
  7. Pour the wine and chicken broth into the pan around the roast.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the roast reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
  9. Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  10. While the roast is resting, you can make a sauce by reducing the pan juices over medium-high heat. Serve this sauce alongside the roast.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using a boneless pork roast, you can try using a bone-in pork roast for added flavor.
  • For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the rosemary with thyme or sage.
  • To add some sweetness, you can glaze the roast with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard before roasting.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic and herb mixture.
  • For a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken breasts or turkey breast instead of pork.
  • If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with a firm tofu block and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce instead of the chicken broth.
  • For a different crust texture, you can coat the roast with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese before searing.
  • For a Mediterranean twist, you can marinate the roast in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano before cooking.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the garlic and herb mixture.

Recipe overview

Arrosto di Maiale is a classic Italian dish that transforms a simple pork roast into a sumptuous feast. This recipe uses garlic, rosemary, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a savory crust for the roast. A splash of dry white wine and chicken broth added to the roasting pan helps to keep the meat juicy and infuses it with additional flavor. The result is an extraordinarily tender and flavorful pork roast with a delightful herbed crust. The pan juices are reduced down to make a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the roast. This dish does take some time to prepare, but the result is well worth the effort. It's a fantastic choice for a Sunday dinner or a special occasion.

Common questions

  1. How long should I roast the pork? Roast the pork for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? While this recipe is specifically designed for pork roast, you can try using other cuts of meat such as beef or lamb, but keep in mind that cooking times and flavors may vary.
  3. Can I marinate the pork roast overnight? It is not necessary to marinate the pork roast for this recipe, as the flavors from the garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper will infuse into the meat during the cooking process. However, you can marinate it for a few hours before cooking if desired.
  4. What can I serve with Arrosto di Maiale? Arrosto di Maiale goes well with roasted or mashed potatoes, vegetables such as green beans or carrots, and a side salad.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it is best to serve the roast fresh out of the oven, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it gently in the oven before serving. Keep in mind that reheating may slightly affect the texture of the meat.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Roasting Pan - A large oven-safe pan used for roasting the pork.
  • Meat Thermometer - To accurately measure the internal temperature of the roast.
  • Paper Towels - To pat dry the pork roast before seasoning.
  • Small Bowl - For mixing the garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Tongs - To flip and handle the pork roast while browning.
  • Oven Mitts - To handle the hot roasting pan when placing it in the oven or removing it.
  • Serving Platter - To present the cooked pork roast when serving.
  • Saucepan - For reducing the pan juices to make a sauce.
  • Whisk - To stir and incorporate the ingredients while making the sauce.

Origin stories

Arrosto di Maiale, or Italian roast pork, is a classic dish with roots in Italy's rural past. In a time when resources were scarce and nothing was wasted, families would raise their own pigs, treating them with extraordinary care. These pigs were not just a source of food, but a treasured asset often associated with wealth and prosperity. The pig was usually slaughtered in winter, and the meat was used in a variety of recipes throughout the following months. The most prized cut, the loin, was often reserved for special celebrations. Prepared with simple ingredients commonly found in the Italian countryside such as garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, Arrosto di Maiale is a dish that truly embodies the rustic simplicity and profound flavors of Italian cuisine. Can you taste the history in every bite?

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.