JULIE WELLS: Use chipotle rub on roasted pork loin for savory flavor

Pork loin, especially one roasted in chipotle spices, can be just as good cooked in the oven or slow-cooker. However, when the slow-cooker ceramic bowl has a crack in it, as mine did, you opt for the oven.

Cooking pork loins can be a little intimidating. I’m not very familiar with this cut of meat, and I have a tendency to over cook it when I do. But, this time I managed to do better than I’ve ever done.

I included chipotle rub in the ingredient list. Any brand will do, and you can mix up your own version of chipotle spices. I used the chipotle rub to try a different flavor on the pork loin instead of my typical lemon pepper flavoring.

When choosing to roast a pork loin in the oven, some people like to sear the meat on the stove top before placing it in the oven, If you choose to do so, that will help lock in the flavors a little more. I just didn’t take the time to do that. Nor did I take the time to marinate the meat in all of the spices, and yet my pork loin was still very flavorful.

If you have a meat thermometer handy, I would suggest using it. If you don’t have one, I suggest purchasing one; they definitely help put your mind at ease if you aren’t too sure if your meat is done or not.

While the pork loin is roasting in the oven, chop up some onions, squash and zucchini and saute the vegetables to serve with the meat.

If you have any leftovers, slice up the pork loin in a few thin slices and make a savory sandwich, or tasty salad.

Julie Wells writes the weekly food column The Recipe Box for the Rockdale Citizen.

ROASTED PORK LOIN

What you need …

4- to 5-pound pork loin roast

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of chipotle rub

1 tablespoon of garlic powder

1 tablespoon of onion powder

Salt, pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

What you do …

Combine chipotle rub, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl, and mix all of the dry ingredients together thoroughly.

Pat dry the pork loin with a paper towel, and then rub the olive oil all over the meat.

Rub the dry ingredients on the pork, including on the sides of the loin.

Place the pork loin in a roasting pan, fat side up, and cook for about 20 minutes per pound or until thoroughly done.

Allow the pork loin to sit for 10 minutes before slicing.