Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Colombian cuisine with this legendary Pernil Asado - a roasted pork leg so tender and flavorful, it'll transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Bogotá! This isn't just a recipe; it's a celebration of tradition, a symphony of spices, and a culinary masterpiece that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet Colombian paradise. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that promises to be the star of any gathering!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pork leg (about 5-7 pounds)
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the pork leg from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, vinegar, orange juice, and olive oil to create a robust marinade.
- Using a sharp knife, make deep incisions across the pork leg to allow marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Generously coat the entire pork leg with the prepared marinade, ensuring it gets into all cuts and crevices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove pork from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Place the marinated pork leg in a large roasting pan, fat side up. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Roast the pork leg for approximately 4 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), basting every hour with accumulated pan juices.
- Remove foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow skin to crisp and develop a golden-brown color.
- Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 20-30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before carving and serving.
- Slice against the grain and serve with traditional Colombian sides like rice, plantains, or arepa.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow the pork leg to marinate overnight for maximum flavor penetration. The longer it sits, the more intense and rich the taste will be.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness. The ideal internal temperature of 145°F guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
- Cutting Technique: Make deep, strategic cuts across the pork leg to help the marinade seep deep into the meat, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
- Basting is Crucial: Regularly basting the pork with pan juices ensures moisture and helps develop a beautiful, golden-brown exterior.
- Resting is Essential: Always let the meat rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent roast.
- Serve Immediately: Slice the pernil against the grain just before serving to maintain its tenderness and maximize flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 409kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
