"A sophisticated stuffing of creamy goat cheese, silky spinach, and lemony herbs give this lean and mighty pork loin 5-star flavor. Topped with apricot-infused sweet and sour sauce, we tip our hats to the slow cooker for coaxing out this degree of decadence. To achieve the coveted crisp-tender texture of the pork, we recommend browning it on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker. Once cooked, use a serrated knife to slice the pork with ease. Pair this divine main with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or garlicky Brussels for a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress. "
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
1 tablespoon sliced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 (5-oz.) pkg. fresh baby spinach
3 ounces goat cheese (about 2/3 cup), at room temperature
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 (3-lb.) boneless pork loin
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1/4 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
How to Make It
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add shallots, garlic, and thyme; cook 5 minutes, stirring often, until shallots are caramelized. Add spinach; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine goat cheese, chives, parsley, and lemon rind in a small bowl.
- Holding knife flat and parallel to cutting board, cut horizontally through center of pork loin, cutting to, but not through, other side. Open flat, as you would a book. Starting at the center seam, cut horizontally through each half, cutting to, but not through, other side. Open flat on either side. Place pork between 2 sheets of plastic wrap; pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small, heavy skillet. Remove plastic wrap.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Spread goat cheese mixture evenly over pork; top with shallot mixture. Roll up pork jelly-roll fashion. Tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Wipe pan clean. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add pork; cook 3 minutes per side or until browned. Place stuffed pork in a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add apricot preserves, butter, and mustard to pan; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until butter melts. Pour over pork loin in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of pork registers 145°F.
- Place pork on a cutting board; let stand 15 minutes. Skim and discard fat from sauce in slow cooker. Pour sauce into a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high. Cook 5 minutes, until reduced to about 1 cup. Stir in vinegar.
- Remove and discard twine. Slice pork into 12 slices; serve with sauce.
By: Julia Levy, CookingLight
Photo: Victor Protasi