• Pork Loin Pittas with Fennel & Balsamic Marinade Featured Image - Full Image
  • Pork Loin Pittas with Fennel & Balsamic Marinade Featured Image - Thumbnail Image

Pork Loin Pittas with Fennel & Balsamic Marinade

This is a simple and easy pork recipe that can be made with either a whole pork loin roasting joint or quick-cooking pork loin steaks. The pork is coated in a thick, fragrant marinade of fennel seeds, garlic, paprika, and balsamic vinegar before being roasted or grilled. The tender sliced pork is then served in warm, toasted pittas with houmous, fresh rocket, and sliced tomatoes for a quick and flavourful meal.
Campbells Image

Recipe by

Campbells

1 hr 40 min

Easy

Serves 4

Share on social
ingredient icon

Ingredients

You will need:

  • 800g piece pork loin
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1 onion
  • 2 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp paprika (spicy picante if available)
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 80ml veg oil
  • 50ml balsamic vinegar
  • hummous for spreading
  • 4 pitta breads
  • 50g rocket leaves
  • 2 beef tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • If not using pork loin, you can also use pork loin steaks

Method

  • Step 1 : Preheat the Oven

    Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4. If using pork loin steaks, you will not need the oven and can skip this step.

  • Step 2 : Prepare the Marinade and Pork

    1. If using a whole pork loin, score the fat (and remove the skin if necessary). Season with sea salt.
    2. To make the marinade, blend the onion, fennel seeds, garlic cloves, paprika, lemon zest and juice, vegetable oil, and balsamic vinegar in a food processor until it forms a thick paste.
    3. Set the pork (loin joint or steaks) in a dish and rub the marinade all over, making sure to get it into the scored fat.
    4. Cover the dish and leave the pork to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

  • Step 3 : Cook the Pork

    For Pork Loin Joints:

    1. Place the marinated pork loin in a roasting tin, uncovered.
    2. Roast for 1 hour.
    3. Remove from the oven and let the joint rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

    For Pork Loin Steaks:

    1. You can cook the marinated pork loin steaks on a hot grill or in a frying pan.
    2. Cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly caramelised.

  • Step 4 : To Serve

    Slice the rested pork loin joint or steaks thickly and lightly dress the rocket leaves and sliced beef tomatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toast the pitta breads until warm and then cut them open and spread the inside with a layer of houmous. Fill the pittas with the slices of pork, the dressed tomatoes, and some rocket and serve immediately.