Classic Italian Porchetta

Name: Classic Italian Porchetta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 215 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 kg pork belly (skin-on); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fennel seeds (crushed); 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp lemon zest

215 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

A succulent Italian porchetta with crispy skin and flavorful herbs, perfect for any special occasion.

Prep

20 min

Cook

180 min

Total

215 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish known for its crispy skin and juicy, herb-infused meat. This version of porchetta brings together the classic flavours of garlic, rosemary, and fennel to create a dish that's both hearty and elegant. Whether you're an experienced cook or trying porchetta for the first time, this recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavour with minimal fuss. This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with bold flavours and slow-roasting techniques. The succulent interior combined with the crackling skin makes it a show-stopping centrepiece for any gathering.

Instructions

Prepare the pork

Score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.

Pro tip: This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.

Make the herb rub

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, fennel seeds, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to form a paste.

Pro tip: Crushing the fennel seeds releases more flavour.

Season the pork

Rub the herb paste all over the pork, ensuring it gets into the scored skin. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Pro tip: Overnight marination allows deeper flavour infusion.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).

Roast the pork

Place the pork on a roasting rack in a baking tray. Roast for 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crisp.

Pro tip: Use a rack to allow air circulation around the pork.

Increase the temperature

Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) and roast for an additional 30 minutes to ensure the skin is crispy.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the skin to prevent burning.

Rest the pork

Remove the porchetta from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: Resting helps the juices redistribute.

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Tips & Tricks

Score the pork skin for extra crispy crackling.
Marinate overnight for maximum flavour infusion.
Let it rest before carving to retain juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is porchetta?

Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish consisting of a boneless pork roast, seasoned with herbs and spices, and known for its crispy skin.

How many calories are in porchetta?

A typical serving of porchetta contains approximately 450 calories.

How long should I marinate porchetta?

For best results, marinate porchetta for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.

How do you get crispy skin on porchetta?

Scoring the skin and roasting at a high temperature in the final stage helps achieve crispy skin.

What should I serve with porchetta?

Porchetta pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, and robust red wine.

Serving Suggestions

Porchetta pairs wonderfully with a fresh arugula salad or roasted root vegetables. For beverages, consider a robust red wine such as a Chianti or a Barbera to complement the rich flavours of the pork. This dish can be prepared a day ahead; simply marinate the pork and store it in the fridge until ready to cook. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and make for delicious sandwiches.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

25g

Protein

38g

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