Porchetta al Forno
Porchetta al Forno is a succulent Italian roast that features a flavorful herbed pork belly rolled and roasted to perfection. This Paleo-friendly dish is perfect for BBQ lovers who seek authentic Italian flavors without compromising on health.

150 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Italian
600 kcal
Ingredients
- Pork belly - 600 grams, skin-on
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh sage - 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Fennel seeds - 1 teaspoon, crushed
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
- Paleo-friendly BBQ sauce - for serving (optional)
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Lay the pork belly skin-side down on a clean surface and score the meat with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped sage, crushed fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon zest to create the herb mixture.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the meat, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
- Roll the pork belly tightly, starting from one end, and secure it with kitchen twine at intervals to maintain its shape.
- Place the rolled pork belly on a roasting rack in a baking tray, skin-side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to crisp the skin, then reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and continue to roast for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, optionally with Paleo-friendly BBQ sauce on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 50 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Total Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Water: 0.3 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Contains healthy fats that provide sustained energy and aid in nutrient absorption.
Tags
ItalianPaleoBBQ