Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Roast

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil until you have a paste.

Rub the Mixture: Rub this seasoning mixture generously over the pork roast, making sure to cover all sides evenly. This step infuses the meat with a wonderful herbal and garlicky flavor.

Rest for Flavor: Allow the pork to sit for a few minutes (or up to 20 minutes if you have time) to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Roast the Pork

Place in Baking Dish: Transfer the seasoned pork to a baking dish or roasting pan.

Roast: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Check occasionally to avoid overcooking.

Let It Rest: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest in the baking dish for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Sauce

Cook the Apples: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the diced apples, apple cider, and butter. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the apples are tender and have absorbed the cider.

Blend: Once the apples are cooked, blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Adjust sweetness by adding sugar if desired, and season with a pinch of salt.

Final Touch: Keep the sauce warm until serving.

Step 4: Serve the Dish

Slice the Pork: Cut the roast into thick slices, placing each slice on a serving platter.

Add Apple Sauce: Spoon the warm apple sauce over or beside each pork slice.

Garnish (optional): For added presentation, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or sliced apples.

Variations and Substitutions

Herb Variations: Swap rosemary with thyme or sage for a different herb profile.

Apple Variations: Use pears in place of apples for a slightly different fruit sauce. Pears will bring a softer, milder flavor to the sauce.

Dietary Substitutions: For a dairy-free apple sauce, replace butter with a tablespoon of olive oil. To reduce sugar, omit the optional sugar in the apple sauce, letting the natural sweetness of the apples shine through.