Step 1

Mince the garlic and rosemary together and combine with the salt and several grinds of pepper.

Step 2

Insert a paring knife blade fully into each end of the pork loin. Working from both ends, stuff the slits with the garlic-herb mixture, reserving 1 tablespoon to rub on the outside of the meat. Let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. (It can be prepared in advance, but let it come to room temperature before roasting.)

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place a lightly oiled flat rack in a large roasting pan, then transfer the meat to the rack. Roast for 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature of the pork registers 140 to 145 degrees on a meat thermometer. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before discarding the twine ties around the roast. Cut the meat into 3/4-inch-thick slices, then cut each slice in half or thirds. Cut the bone section into ribs, if desired. Serve warm.

Step 4

Note: Ask your butcher to bone a pork loin and reassemble the boned meat on top of the rib rack, tying it all together firmly with kitchen twine.

Step 5

Recipe Source: Adapted from Willinger's "Adventures of an Italian Food Lover" (Clarkson Potter, 2007).