A festive, juicy, and flavor-packed dish perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

📝 Ingredients

Main:

• 1 whole pork leg (approx. 3–4 kg), bone-in and skin-on

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings

• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or store-bought)

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Olive oil (for drizzling)

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🍴 Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Leg:

• Rinse the pork leg under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels.

• Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a criss-cross pattern (shallow incisions), making sure not to cut too deep. This helps the marinade absorb better and gives a beautiful texture when roasted.

2. Make the Marinade:

• In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cumin, and sweet paprika. Whisk until the mixture is well-blended.

• Season the pork leg generously with salt and pepper, then place it into a deep roasting dish or large container.

• Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring the leg is evenly coated. Use your hands or a brush to massage the mixture into every crevice.

3. Marinate the Pork:

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).

• Turn the pork leg occasionally so it marinates evenly on all sides.

4. Get Ready to Roast:

• Take the pork leg out of the fridge 30 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

5. Assemble in the Roasting Pan:

• In a large roasting pan, layer the base with pineapple rings. These will caramelize and infuse the pork with flavor from below.

• Place the marinated pork leg on top of the pineapple.

• Pour any remaining marinade over the pork and drizzle with a generous splash of olive oil.

• Scatter the chopped onion all around the leg.

6. Roast to Perfection:

• Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize.

• After 2 hours, remove the foil and continue roasting uncovered for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is golden-brown, slightly crispy on top, and fork-tender.

• Every 20–30 minutes, baste the pork leg with its own pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

🔥 Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness — the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the leg.

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🌟 Rest, Garnish & Serve

• Once the pork is beautifully roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist when carved.

• Garnish with roasted pineapple slices and caramelized onions from the pan.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This pork leg is rich and flavorful, perfect for pairing with:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice

• A crisp garden salad with citrus vinaigrette

• Roasted or sautéed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, zucchini)

• Cornbread or dinner rolls for a heartier meal

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💡 Bonus Tips

• For a spicy twist, add a bit of chili powder or cayenne to the marinade.

• Leftovers can be shredded and used in tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

• This dish is ideal for holidays, birthdays, and family feasts!