herb roasted pork dinner

I've gotten a little behind in posting my complete meals, so here is one that I made a few weeks ago.

I love this meal because it has only a few ingredients yet is incredibly flavorful! Both the pork and the carrots do most of their work in the oven without needing your attention, so it's also fairly easy. The original recipes state different temperatures for cooking the pork and carrots, but you can cook them both at the same time and at the same temperature. Use the temperature listed for the pork and just decrease the cooking time on the carrots by about 10-15 minutes. Easy!

This meal includes:

Herb Roasted Pork Loin $6.09
Honey Balsamic Carrots $2.39
Boursin Mashed Potatoes $7.55
Total: $16.03

Serves: 4, plus some leftover mashed potatoes!





Below is an example of my grocery list and a list of items that I already have on hand in my pantry or refrigerator. Use the grocery list as a guide but, as always, check the pantry list for items that you may not have or need to restock and check the grocery list for items that you might already have on hand. Adjust the lists as necessary.

GROCERY LIST
1-1.5 lbs.	pork loin
2 cloves	garlic
1-2 lbs.	carrots
2-3 lbs.	potatoes
1 (5 oz.) package	Boursin Cheese

PANTRY ITEMS / ON HAND
1 tsp	dried basil
1 tsp	dried thyme
1 tsp	dried rosemary
4 Tbsp	olive oil
2 Tbsp	honey
1/4 cup	balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp	butter
1/2 cup	milk
to taste	salt/pepper

STEP 1: Begin by preheating the oven to 425 degrees. Mix up the herb rub for the Herb Roasted Pork Loin. Coat the pork in herbs and place in the oven. Cook for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

STEP 2: Peel, cut, and toss the carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Put the carrots on a baking sheet and place in the oven with the pork loin. Cook until slightly golden and blistered, stirring half way through (about 40 minutes). Complete instructions here.

STEP 3: While the pork loin and carrots are roasting in the oven, make the mashed potatoes according these directions. When finished, place a lid on the pot to keep the potatoes warm until the pork and carrots are finished.

STEP 4: Just before the pork and carrots come out of the oven, prepare the balsamic and honey glaze to coat the carrots (directions here). When the pork and carrots come out of the oven, allow the pork to "rest" for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute into the meat before slicing. Toss the carrots in the balsamic glaze while waiting.



Enjoy your super easy and delicious home cooked meal!