PORK LEG ROAST Mexican Pierna de Cerdo Mechada recipe

pork leg

🥗Healthier: chicken thigh

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Pork shoulder is more affordable and still provides rich flavor.

chipotle peppers

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: canned jalapeños

Smoked paprika adds a similar smokiness without the heat of chipotles.

Prepare the marinade by combining pineapple juice, orange juice, white wine (if using), cumin, thyme, black pepper, and salt with minced garlic.

Marinate the pork leg with the marinade, reserving half for later use.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).

In a baking dish, add 2 cups of water at the base.

Place the marinated pork leg in the baking dish and bathe it with the marinade.

Bake the uncovered leg in the oven at 450°F for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the leg, flip it over, and bathe it with the reserved marinade.

Return the leg to the oven for another 30 minutes.

Cover the leg with aluminum foil and reduce the oven temperature to 360°F (180°C) and bake for 2 hours.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: