Roasted Pork Loin with Pineapple Glaze

Preparation

1. Step 1

   To brine the pork, combine the salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and 2 cups warm water in a large bowl. Stir until the salt dissolves. Add 6 cups cold water. Add the pork (the pork should be submerged in the liquid), cover, and refrigerate overnight.

   Step 2

   To cook the pork, preheat the oven to 400°F.

   Step 3

   Mix the garlic, the 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. Remove the pork from the brine and pat it dry (discard the brine). Spread the herb mixture over the side of the roast that is not covered with fat.

   Step 4

   Heat the remaining 1/2 teaspoon olive oil in a medium-size heavy sauté pan over high heat. Add the pork, fat side down, and sear for 4 minutes, or until browned. Carefully turn the pork over onto the herb-coated side and sear for another 4 minutes, or until browned. Transfer the pork loin to a 10 x 7 x 2-inch glass baking dish (or any dish where it fits leaving a 1-inch border). Add the wine to the same sauté pan you used to sear the pork, and cook, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove the browned bits, for 1 minute, or until almost evaporated. Stir in the pineapple juice and remove from the heat. Pour the mixture over the pork and arrange the pearl onions around the roast.

   Step 5

   Roast the pork, basting with the pan juices every 20 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 150°F, about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Transfer the pork to a cutting board, tent it with foil, and let it stand for 10 minutes. Then cut the pork into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick slices, and top them with the pearl onions and sauce.