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.

Porchetta al Forno
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

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Rub the herb mixture all over the meat, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
  5. Roll the pork belly tightly, starting from one end, and secure it with kitchen twine at intervals to maintain its shape.
  6. Place the rolled pork belly on a roasting rack in a baking tray, skin-side up.
  7. 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).
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  9. 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