Roast Pork in Milk

By SallySmo

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 pound pork loin, bone loosened and re-tied (see “Chining” below)
• Salt
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups whole milk

Preparation

Step 1

1. Remove the rind from the loin of pork for a leaner roast or leave it on and score with a sharp knife for a crusty-topped roast with crackling fat. To chine the pork, cut as close to the ribs as possible to partially separate the flesh from the bones but leave a “hinge” of meat in place to keep it together. After cooking, this can simply be cut through. Leaving the bones attached to the meat means you gain flavor and prevent the meat from drying out. Season the outside of the pork with salt—but go easy, because pork is a naturally salty meat.

2. Heat the butter and oil over medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or flameproof casserole. Lower the pork into the pan and sear until the skin is crisp and a rich golden color, turning it every few minutes. It will take about 15 minutes to ensure all the edges are golden.

3. Reduce the heat slightly and add the milk to the pan or casserole very, very slowly so it doesn’t bubble up too much. Gradually bring it to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pan. Let the pork cook like this for 2 hours, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a skewer. The pork will be tender but not fall-apart tender.

4. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Leave the pan with the cooking liquid on the stovetop. Skim most of the fat from the surface of the juices and discard, then whisk the remaining cooking liquid to break up the chunks of coagulated milk a little. It won’t be pretty, but that’s okay.

5. Carve the meat and place the pork slices on a warm plate. Pour the pan sauce over the pork and serve. (If you find upon slicing the pork that you’ve undercooked it, slip the pork slices and sauce in an oven cranked to 350°F(176°C) and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cooked through.)

-Leite's Culinaria