Lidia Bastianich's Roasted Pork Loin with Cabbage and Dried Cherry Sauce Recipe

Step 1

For the pork, preheat oven to 375°F. Season the pork all over with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon fennel powder. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the olive oil. When the butter is melted, sear the pork all over, about 6 minutes total, then remove to a plate.

Step 2

When the pork is out, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the Dutch oven, and add the garlic. Once the garlic is sizzling, add the onion and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes. Add the cabbage, bay leaves, and thyme, and season with the remaining salt and fennel powder. Cook until the cabbage just begins to wilt, about 5 minutes. Add the white wine, and bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup water. Set the pork on top of the cabbage, and cover the pot. Roast 20 minutes.

Step 3

After 20 minutes, uncover, stir in the 1/2 cup dried cherries, and continue to roast until a thermometer inserted into the center of the pork reads 145°F, about 25 to 30 minutes more. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 4

Meanwhile, for the sauce, in a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups dried cherries, white wine, chicken stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, and cook until cherries are very soft, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, and remove bay leaves. Pour into a blender, and add the vinegar, butter, and salt. Carefully blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan, and reheat over low heat while you finish the pork.

Step 5

Once the pork has rested, remove the strings and thinly slice. Serve the pork on a bed of the cabbage, with the sauce on the side.