Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole pig, cleaned and deboned
- 2 cups of rice
- 2 cups of yellow peas
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 cup of chopped scallions
- 1 cup of chopped garlic
- 1 cup of achiote oil
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 10 ripe plantains
- 1 pound of sausage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the rice, yellow peas, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, cilantro, scallions, garlic, achiote oil, orange juice, white wine, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stuff the pig with the rice mixture and sew it up with kitchen twine.
4. Place the pig in the roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
5. Bake the pig for 8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. While the pig is cooking, peel and slice the plantains into thin rounds.
7. In a separate pan, fry the sausage until browned.
8. Layer the plantain slices and sausage on a baking dish.
9. Bake the plantains and sausage for 20 minutes or until the plantains are golden brown.
10. Serve the lechona with the plantain and sausage on the side.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 8 hours
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Internal temperature of the pig: 165°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 10-12 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 900 per serving
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 60g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be used instead of a whole pig.
- Red or green bell peppers can be used instead of yellow bell peppers.
- Beef broth can be used instead of chicken broth.
Variations:
- Add raisins and olives to the rice mixture for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Use chorizo instead of sausage for a spicier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to clean and debone the pig properly before stuffing it.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pig is cooked thoroughly.
- Cut the plantains into thin slices to ensure even cooking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover lechona in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the lechona, place it in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lechona on a large platter with the plantain and sausage on the side.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of black beans and rice for a traditional Colombian meal.
- Pair with a light and refreshing salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Avocado salad
- Fried yuca
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pig is not cooking evenly, rotate the pan every hour.
- If the plantains are not browning, increase the oven temperature to 375°F.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to clean and debone the pig properly before stuffing it.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pig is cooked thoroughly.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
Food history:
- Lechona is a traditional Colombian dish that originated in the Tolima region.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Colombian