Apple-Smoked Pork Loin Recipe

Ingredients:

1½ cups wood chips apple or wood chips orange or 3 apple wood chucks or orange wood chucks
½ 1 pound top loin roast pork, boneless
1 teaspoon oregano, dried
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Oregano sprig, fresh (optional)
Apple slices (optional)

Apple Smoked Pork Chop Cooking Method

1. Place apple or orange wood chips or chunks in a medium size bowl and pour enough water in it to cover them completely. They should be soaked in this manner for at least an hour before proceeding with the recipe.
2. Trim all the excess visible fat from the pork and place the roast in a dish.
3. Mix dried oregano along with garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly all over the roast using your fingers.
4. For indirect grilling prepare the grill and set it on medium to low heat setting above the drip pan. Drain the water from the wood chips and spread half of the drained chips or chunks over the coals.
5. Place the prepared roast directly over the prepared grill rack. Cover the grill and cook for about 60 to 90 minutes or till the meat is tender. The internal temperature of the meat should register 155 degree Fahrenheit when measured with an instant read thermometer. During the grilling process add more wood chips and coal as needed.
6. After the pork is done, remove it from the grill and cover it with a foil. Let the meat stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. During the standing period the temperature of the meat will rise by about 5 degree Fahrenheit. Slice the pork and arrange it in a serving plate. If desired garnish with fresh apple slices and oregano sprig. Serve hot. This recipe makes 4 servings.

Health Tips:

• Apple-smoked pork loin is a low carbohydrate, high protein, diabetes friendly recipe as it provides about 190 calories, 1 gm carbohydrates, 24 gm proteins and 9 gm total fat per serving.
• To reduce the total calories and fat of this recipe use extra lean cuts of pork. Red meat is not only high in proteins but also in saturated fats and cholesterol.
• Flavored wood chunks or chips are an excellent way to introduce various flavors to your recipe without adding any calories to it. The Orange or Apple wood chips used in this recipe impart a full bodied smoky flavor along with a subtle sweetness to the roast.