Roast Pork Loin with Raspberry Chipotle

When we had the restaurant one of the sauces that we used as a signature sauce was Fischer and Wieser’s Roasted Raspberry Chipotle.  Our signature dish was a grilled chicken breast served with this sauce and I can tell you, quit honestly, it was incredible.

I had not seen the sauce available in a retail market, although I knew you could buy it online, so when I saw that Tom Thumbs/Safeway had started carrying it I was ecstatic.  And I bought a bottle immediately.

Now, pork loin is a little tricky because most people want to overcook it until it is dry.  Please don’t.  Don’t let salmonella-paranoia keep you from enjoying a succulent, juicy piece of incredible buttery tenderness.  Pork is done when an instant read thermometer inserted in the center registers 160F.

Now here’s the deal.  The pork will continue to cook when it leaves the oven and if you wait until it is 160F IN the oven to remove it it will be over cooked when you serve.  Take it out when it registers 150 or 155F and allow it to stand for 10 minutes or so.  Keep an eye on the thermometer.

The other thing is, don’t be afraid to salt this meat! Under-salted will keep it bland and boring.  Use a good kosher or French gray salt and fresh cracked black pepper.  Place the pork fat side up (do not trim it ) and give it a good covering with your seasoning.  Allow it to stand for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile preheat your oven o 375F.  Brush a quick glaze of the raspberry chipotle over the pork, not to thick.

Place the pork on a rack, or in a lightly greased pan.  roast, uncovered, for about 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature is 150-155F.  Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes or so, checking that the internal temperature does reach 160F.

Warm your plates and warm the raspberry chipotle to room temperature.Pour some of the sauce on the plate and arrange a slice of the meat next it it.  Admire the beauty….Eat…Be happy.

Personally I love this dish with roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes and a spinach salad.  A chocolate dessert, like lava cake, really finishes it nicely.

Image: maryeaudet (c) 2008