Ingredients

1 whole pork , 3 kg , cut in pieces
1 cup sour orange juice ( or a mix of orange and lemon juice )
1 big onion , finely chopped
10 garlic cloves , crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
Lechon a La Criolla, also known as Cuban Style Pork a La Criolla, is a delectable and savory pork dish that has been enjoyed by Cubans for years. The dish is made with juicy pieces of pork that have been marinated overnight in a zesty mixture of sour orange juice, garlic, and spices, before being slow-roasted to perfection. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it can be served with rice and beans, plantains, or salad depending on preference.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, mix together the sour orange juice, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Add the bay leaf and pieces of pork, turning them in the mixture until well-coated.
2.Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
3.Preheat the oven to 350F/175C. Transfer the pork and marinade to a baking dish and cover with foil.
4.Bake for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender, occasionally basting with the juices.
5.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the skin is crispy and brown.
6.Serve hot.

PROS

Lechon a La Criolla is a classic Cuban pork dish that is packed with rich and bold flavors.

The marinade is simple to prepare and produces a juicy, succulent and tender pork every time.

It’s perfect for a family meal or dinner party.

CONS

The dish is quite high in fat as it’s made with pieces of pork with the skin on.

If you’re watching your fat intake, consider removing the skin before cooking.

It’s also relatively time consuming to prepare, as the pork is marinated overnight and then slow-cooked in the oven for a few hours.

But it’s well worth the wait!

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Pork is a good source of protein, iron, and selenium that helps support healthy muscles, red blood cells, and immune function.
The marinade contains garlic, which is known to have several health benefits like helping to fight off infections, reducing cholesterol, and improving cardiovascular health.

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