Cuban Lechon Asado (Roasted Fresh Ham)

Jun 07, 2023June 7, 20230 1
Cuban Lechon Asado (Roasted Fresh Ham) Recipe
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

5h 30 min

Ready In

6h 10 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 fresh ham ( pork leg or butt )
1 head garlic , broken into cloves , peeled and minced
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon bay leaf powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup fresh sour orange juice ( seville ) or 1 cup lime juice
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 large onions , thinly sliced

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
546
Sugar
2g
Fat
34g
Cuban Lechon Asado is a popular dish throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, often served during holidays and celebrations. This version of the dish calls for a fresh ham, which is rubbed with a flavorful garlic and herb paste before being slow-roasted to perfection. The combination of garlic, oregano, and cumin gives the ham a delicious and unique taste that is sure to impress your guests. Served alongside rice and beans, plantains, or yucca, Cuban Lechon Asado is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any special occasion.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, bay leaf powder, and olive oil to make a paste.
3.Rinse the fresh ham in cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
4.Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the ham in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut into the meat.
5.Rub the garlic paste over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the crevices cut into the skin.
6.Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a large roasting pan and place the ham on top, skin side up.
7.In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour orange or lime juice with the dry sherry.
8.Pour the juice mixture over the ham and onions in the roasting pan.
9.Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and roast the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
10.Remove the foil from the pan and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to roast the ham for another 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
11.Let the ham rest for 20 minutes before carving into slices and serving. Enjoy!

PROS

Cuban Lechon Asado is a flavorful and succulent main dish that is perfect for special occasions or gatherings with friends and family.

The garlic, oregano, and cumin rub provides a unique and delicious flavor profile to the ham.

The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients.

CONS

The cooking time for Cuban Lechon Asado is relatively long, so it may not be suitable for those looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Using a fresh ham can be more expensive and difficult to find than other cuts of pork.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although Cuban Lechon Asado is not the healthiest dish due to its high fat content, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation.
Pork is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and iron.
Garlic has been linked to helping lower blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

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