Cuban Roasted Pork Leg: Pernil
- 12 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 6 sprigs fresh oregano leaves
- 1/2 cup Delicioso Adobo, recipe follows
- 1 cup store-bought Mojo sauce
- 2 cups orange juice
- 4 limes, juiced
- 1 (14 to 16-pound) bone-in whole fresh pork leg
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder or flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon achiote powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Place the garlic cloves on a cutting board.
- Slice the cloves in half lengthwise and then smash with the side of a chef's knife.
- Sprinkle the salt over the garlic and chop and smear the garlic against the cutting board until it makes a paste.
- (This can also be done using a mortar pestle; smash the garlic halves before placing them in the mortar.)
- Add the oregano, chop it into the garlic paste and mix together.
- Put the garlic paste in a large bowl.
- Add the Adobo, Mojo, the orange and lime juices.
- Mix well to combine.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan and using a sharp knife, score the surface of the meat in a crosshatch pattern.
- Pour the marinade over the pork, being sure it gets into the incisions and penetrates the meat.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day in the refrigerator, covered and turning it once or twice.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Uncover the pork and allow the meat to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Roast the pork for 30 minutes.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. and continue to roast until the meat is falling apart and an instant-read thermometer reaches 160 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the pork.
- Baste with the marinade every 30 minutes.
- Total roasting time will be approximately 5 to 5 1/2 hours.
- Remove from oven and let it stand at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes, covered loosely with a foil, before cutting it in slices.
- Note: This recipe for adobo is a staple seasoning for many of my Latin recipes.
- You can make a large batch, store it in an airtight container and use it as a flavor enhancer in your favorite dishes.
- Combine all measured ingredients in a small glass jar with an airtight lid and shake to blend.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
- Yield: about 1/2 cup
garlic, coarse salt, oregano, storebought, orange juice, pork leg, lemon pepper, garlic, onion, oregano, parsley flakes, achiote powder, ground cumin, salt
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ingrid-hoffmann/cuban-roasted-pork-leg-pernil-recipe.html (may not work)