Lechon

 

    Lechon is a popular Filipino dish often served at special occasions and events because of its distinct flavor. It consists of a whole pig that is roasted over an open flame or charcoal for 8 hours or more until the skin becomes crispy. The cooking time can vary based on the pig's size and weight, and the pig is marinated and stuffed with a mix of spices, herbs, and aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, onions, and bay leaves.

Ingredients:

1. 1 whole pig (20-30 lbs)

2. 1 large bottle of soy sauce

3. 1 large bottle of vinegar

4. 1 head of garlic, minced

5. 1 large onion, chopped

6. 5 bay leaves

7. Salt and pepper to taste

8. Banana leaves (optional, for wrapping the pig)

9. 1 large lemongrass stalk, chopped

10. 1 bottle of Sprite or 7-Up (optional, for added flavor and to tenderize the meat)

Procedure:

1. Give the pig a good clean, taking out all the internal organs and washing it inside and out.

2. Dry the pig off with some paper towels.

3. In a big bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

4. Rub that marinade all over the pig, inside and out. Let it marinate for at least 3-4 hours or even overnight for the best flavor.

5. Stuff the pig's cavity with chopped lemongrass and maybe some banana leaves for extra aroma.

6. Sew up the cavity with kitchen twine to keep everything inside.

7. Preheat your charcoal pit or lechon roasting setup.

8. Skewer the pig lengthwise with a big bamboo pole or metal rod and make sure it’s secure.

9. Put the pig over the coals and start roasting, rotating it occasionally for even cooking.

10. Brush the pig with the marinade or some Sprite/7-Up now and then to keep the skin moist and tasty.

11. Roast the pig for several hours until the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked. Depending on how big the pig is, this usually takes about 4-6 hours.

12. When it’s done, carefully take the pig off the spit and let it rest for a few minutes.

13. Carve the lechon into pieces and dig in with some lechon sauce or vinegar dipping sauce.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- The ultimate dish when it comes to different occasions, no matter what the time or place is. It is one of the most popular foods because it is known for its crunchiness and tasty flavor. It can be dipped in soy sauce or even Mang Tomas, depending on your taste.