Pork is not something I usually buy for dinner meat. Actually, besides bacon, I rarely consume it at all. Personal preference, really. Lately, to try and save money between the two of us, my boyfriend and I have taken to making each other meals during the week with what we have at home. On this particular night, I was challenged with a nearly empty fridge and pantry save for a few condiments and a good sized pork loin he had purchased. I accepted the challenge and put my craftiness to the test.
The sweetness of the apple juice contrasted nicely with the tartness of the mustard, the two pairing well with the mild savory flavor of the pork. Served over rice with broccoli on the side, it made for a satisfying meal made only more satisfying by the fact that we didn’t have to go to the store to get anything to make it ;)
This recipe is:
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Nut-free
• Refined sugar-free
Baked Mustard Apple Pork Loin
• 3 cups 100% apple juice
• 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• 3 tablespoons gluten-free tamari
• 1 tsp dried garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
• sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs pork loin
1. In a medium bowl, combine apple juice, mustard, tamari, garlic and cayenne. Whisk to combine.
2. Place pork loin in a large plastic bag and pour in half of the apple juice mixture. Reserve the other half at room temperature. Seal the bag and let marinade 30-60 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°. Place pork loin in a 13×9″ roasting pan and pour the marinade from the bag evenly over the meat. Season the pork with salt and pepper and bake for 45-60 minutes, turning the meat over and seasoning the other side halfway through cooking. The center of the pork should be opaque and very slightly pink when finished.
4. While the pork cooks, pour the reserved marinade in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Bring the marinade to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue stirring the mixture and reduce the heat, simmering the mixture until it becomes thick and syrupy. If the it begins to stick add a tablespoon or two of apple juice, stirring to combine.
5. In about ten minutes, the reduction should darken and reach a sauce-like consistency. Remove from heat into a new bowl. Once the pork is done, slice and serve over a bed of rice topped with the sauce. Pair with you choice of vegetable and enjoy!
Naturally Lindsey 