Alternative Leaves Instead Of Rocket

Our answer

Nigella's recipe for Pork Loin With Parma Ham And Oregano (from NIGELLISSIMA) is a rolled and roasted loin of pork that is filled with garlic. It is similar to porchetta and the cooked pork is sliced and served on rocket (arugula) leaves. Rocket is often associated with Italian cookery but here its peppery flavour is a good match to the aromatic pork and the robust leaves also don't wilt as easily as some other salad leaves when doused with gravy.

If you don't like rocket then watercress may be an alternative, though watercress leaves still have a peppery flavour. Otherwise baby spinach leaves would probably be the best alterative. They are milder in flavour and may still hold up better with the gravy than some more delicate leaves. If you use a mixture of baby salad leaves or a softer lettuce then you may prefer to serve the salad on the side, in which case slice the pork, arrange it on a platter, drizzle a little gravy over the top and scatter over a few oregano leaves. Serve the rest of the gravy alongside.