Filipino > Lechon

Roasted Piglet with Garlic and Oregano Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole piglet (approximately 20-25 pounds)
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 2 cups of chicken broth

Special equipment needed:
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Butcher's twine

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Rinse the piglet thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped oregano, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

4. Rub the garlic and oregano mixture all over the piglet, making sure to get into all the crevices.

5. Stuff the cavity of the piglet with the sliced lemons.

6. Tie the legs of the piglet together with butcher's twine.

7. Place the piglet in a large roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.

8. Roast the piglet in the preheated oven for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

9. Baste the piglet with the pan juices every 30 minutes.

10. Once the piglet is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 3-4 hours
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Internal temperature of piglet: 160°F
Serving size:
- 8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500 per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 60g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme can be used in place of oregano.
- Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth.

Variations:
- Add chopped onions and carrots to the bottom of the roasting pan for added flavor.
- Use a dry rub of your favorite spices in place of the garlic and oregano mixture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to baste the piglet every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
- Let the piglet rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover piglet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the piglet in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the piglet on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and roasted vegetables make great garnishes.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and a crisp green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, and salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the piglet is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the piglet to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

Food history:
- Roasted piglet is a traditional dish in many cultures, including Spanish and Filipino cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- The garlic and oregano give the piglet a savory and herbaceous flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the piglet as the main course for a special occasion or holiday meal.

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Taste: Savory, Herbal, Garlicky, Roasted, Tangy, Earthy