Pork Loin with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

For this month’s Movies and Munchies, Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm invited us to watch Mr. Church.

Mr. Church follows a mother and daughter through the daughters life as she deals with her mother’s cancer diagnosis, school, and all of life’s curveballs, all while being nourished by Mr. Church, a man who has been hired to cook for the family.

Overall, the story was enjoyable but bittersweet and loosely based on a real friendship. And since much of the movie revolved around food, there was no shortage of inspiration.

I took my inspiration from an early food montage where Mr. Church is still trying to win over the daughter.  In one scene, he is making a pork roast with all sorts of fresh herbs.  In the recipe below, I relied on dried herbs, since it’s too early to start planting in my area (hopefully soon!) but the pork was delicious nonetheless.  It was a hit (even the sauce!!) with even my pickiest eater.

Pork Loin with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

Adapted from Seasons & Suppers

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ pound pork loin

Salt & pepper

5 cloves garlic, peeled & smashed

⅔ - ¾ cup chicken broth, divided

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons rubbed dried sage (2 tablespoons fresh)

1 teaspoon dried rosemary (1 tablespoon fresh)

½ cup half and half

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.  

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven (or other stovetop and oven proof  pan) over medium-high heat.  Season the pork loin with salt and pepper, then place in the hot dutch oven.  Brown on all sides.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add ⅓ cup of the chicken broth.  Cover and place in the oven.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Move the dutch oven back to the stovetop on medium-high heat.  Remove the pork to a plate. Add the vinegar, sage, rosemary, and remaining chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium-low and add the half & half.  Simmer until thickened.

Slice the pork loin.  Pour the sauce over the sliced pork and serve.