Lechón Asado

Ingredients

• Olive oil - 1/4 cup
• Black pepper - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 2 tablespoons
• Oregano - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 10 cloves, minced
• Lime juice - 1 cup
• Orange juice - 2 cups
• Suckling pig - 1 (about 20 pounds)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the suckling pig thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to make the marinade.
4. Place the suckling pig in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and let the pig marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
6. Remove the roasting pan from the refrigerator and let the pig come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
7. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the pig for approximately 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Every hour, baste the pig with the marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
9. Once cooked, remove the pig from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
10. Carve the lechón asado into serving portions and serve hot.
11. Optional: Serve with traditional Cuban sides like black beans, rice, and plantains.