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Fennel and Ouzo Pork Roast

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PREP TIME
20 min
COOKING TIME
240 min
TOTAL TIME
260 min
SERVINGS
24 servings
Dinner Greek
Fennel and Ouzo Pork Roast
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons fennel seed
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 5 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons ouzo
  • 1 (8 pound) fresh Boston butt pork roast
  • 2 large onions, thickly sliced
  • 1 fennel bulb, sliced thickly
  • water as needed
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, or 165 degrees Celsius, for the perfect roasting temperature.
2
To awaken the flavors of your dish, toast a blend of fennel seeds, rosemary, thyme, and peppercorns in a heavy pan over medium-low heat until they release their aromatic essence and the fennel seeds turn a light golden brown. Be cautious not to let these spices burn, as this can ruin the entire dish.
3
Next, combine the toasted spices, salt, garlic, and ouzo in a mortar and pestle, or a spice grinder, to create a fragrant paste. This will be the foundation of your dish.
4
Now, it's time to prepare the star of the show – a pork roast. Use a sharp knife to carefully score the fat layer on top of the roast, creating a series of shallow cuts.
5
Rub the spice paste all over the pork roast, making sure to cover every surface evenly. This will infuse your dish with a rich, herby flavor.
6
In the bottom of a large roasting pan, create a layer of sliced onions and fennel. Add just enough water to cover the vegetables, but not so much that they become overwhelmed.
7
Place the pork roast on top of the onions and fennel, with its fat layer facing upwards. This will ensure that your roast cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
8
Finally, place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast until the pork is tender, which can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours. To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the roast and wait until it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, or 63 degrees Celsius.
9
As you roast, keep an eye on the pan and add extra water if necessary to prevent the onions and fennel from burning. This will ensure that your dish turns out perfectly, with tender pork and caramelized vegetables.