\nOur articles may contain affiliate links. This means we receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This oven roasted pork loin looks like a special-occasion dinner but comes together in a single roasting pan. Pomegranate gives the pork a sweet-tart flavor while sweet potatoes, fennel and parsnips roast alongside it, making this a complete meal with surprisingly little fuss. It\u2019s one of the recipes readers mention most often from my cookbook Romancing the Stove: The Unabridged Guide to Aphrodisiac Foods<\/em><\/a> because it manages to be both easy and seriously impressive. While pork is the main protein, this recipe is really about pomegranate, one of the world\u2019s most legendary aphrodisiac foods. It\u2019s a favorite in fall and winter, with a long history as a symbol of love and scientific evidence supporting its libido-boosting effects.<\/p>\n The scarlet fruit is the star flavor, but it\u2019s just one of several aphrodisiac ingredients in this dish. Sweet potatoes and fennel<\/a>, both with their own aphrodisiac reputations, are elevated by sweet pomegranate butter. That\u2019s right, sweet potatoes and fennel are aphrodisiacs. Suddenly, planning a date-night menu looks a lot more enticing.<\/p>\n As for the quinoa, well, the addition of the seasoned quinoa makes this a satisfying meal rather than just a beautiful piece of pork with vegetables. It adds protein, fiber, manganese and zinc, along with a nutty flavor that works beautifully with the sweet-tart pomegranate. I dress it simply with lemon juice, olive oil and fresh mint, which keeps the whole plate fresh and bright.<\/p>\n This recipe calls for a boneless pork loin. Be careful not to confuse it with pork tenderloin. A pork loin is wider and usually has a layer of fat that keeps it juicy. Pork tenderloin is leaner and thinner, so it cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Both cuts are delicious, but pork loin is forgiving for roasting beginners.<\/p>\n The pork is marinated in a simple mix of pomegranate juice and salt, then roasted on top of the vegetables and garlic. The vegetables act as a natural rack, letting the meat cook evenly. Roast uncovered, then cover and rest for 15 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.<\/p>\n The meat thermometer is non-negotiable. <\/strong>Cooking pork loin is easy, but a reliable meat thermometer is essential. It doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s digital or mechanical\u2014what matters is knowing the internal temperature rather than relying on cooking time alone.<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t find a small pork loin, a pork tenderloin works. Just watch the temperature closely; it cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked.<\/p>\n This recipe is a great choice for cooking together because it has multiple components to prepare, giving each person a chance to take part. One person can work on the vegetables while the other makes the pomegranate butter or quinoa, then all those separate pieces come together in one beautiful dish.<\/p>\n Cooking this way gives you more time together, a chance to help each other and an opportunity to take some of the work off your partner\u2019s plate. And there\u2019s something satisfying about creating a meal together and then sitting down to enjoy what you made. Pair the completed dish with Prosecco<\/a>, dry Riesling or a pomegranate cocktail<\/a>, and you\u2019ve got a date night to remember.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n![\"romancing](\"https:\/\/www.eatsomethingsexy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/romancingcoversmall.jpg\" "\\"Oven")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhy make this pork recipe for your next date night<\/h2>\n
Tips for roasting pork loin<\/h2>\n
How to roast a pork loin<\/h3>\n
Substituting with pork tenderloin<\/h3>\n
Cooking together makes it more fun<\/h2>\n
![\"pomegranate](\"https:\/\/www.eatsomethingsexy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/pork-loin-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Oven")
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