Italian Porchetta Sandwich with Crunchy Homemade Roll, Salsa Verde, Roasted Carrots and Lemon-Fennel Arugula Salad (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

Porchetta is one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary traditions, with roots that trace back centuries in central Italy, particularly in Umbria and Lazio. Historically, porchetta was the centerpiece of village feasts, festivals, and family gatherings — a symbol of abundance, community, and the joy of sharing food. Whole pigs were slow-roasted over wood fires or in brick ovens, seasoned with herbs and aromatics, producing meat that was tender, richly flavored, and complemented by crisped skin. Over time, pork belly became a popular adaptation, offering the same depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture in a more approachable portion.

For this Ragna’s Table take-home meal, pork belly porchetta is roasted whole and sliced, preserving its savory richness and natural juices. Each person receives a crunchy homemade roll, perfect for building a personal sandwich, and a vibrant salsa verde, made with parsley, capers, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, to spoon onto the pork and elevate each bite with bright, herbaceous flavor.

The meal also includes two sides. A lemon-dressed fennel and arugula salad is served separately as a refreshing, crisp counterpoint, providing fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Alongside it, simply roasted carrots are cooked until deeply caramelized, bringing natural sweetness and warmth to the plate and balancing the richness of the porchetta without overwhelming it.

Porchetta is both indulgent and nourishing: the pork belly provides protein, B vitamins, zinc, and healthy fats, while the vegetables support digestion, offer essential micronutrients, and create a sense of balance and completeness. Made with mostly organic ingredients, this take-home meal honors centuries of Italian culinary tradition while offering a modern, approachable, and deeply satisfying experience.

I can’t wait to cook this for you!