Lechona
(Lechona Tolimense)
Lechona is a traditional dish consisting of a roasted pig stuffed with onions, peas, fresh herbs, and various spices. The pig is roasted for a long time until the meat is tender and succulent. The dish is usually prepared for celebrations and festivities since one lechona can produce as many as 100 servings.
This unique Colombian delicacy can be found in numerous restaurants throughout the country's largest cities.
Recipe variations
Traditional Tolima-Style Lechona
READY IN 1d 4hThe following is the traditional, Tolima-style, lechona recipe. Preparing this traditional roast pig involves carefully butchering, marinating, and layering pork, split peas, and caramelized onions inside the pig's salted skin. The skin is sewn tightly to encase the rich filling, then slow-roasted for hours to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Brushed with bitter orange juice during cooking, the skin develops its signature crunch and tang.
Home-Style Lechona
READY IN 6h 5minThe following is the lechona recipe adapted for at-home preparation. In this version, marinated pork is layered with cooked split peas in a baking dish and then covered with pork skin, imitating the traditional way lechona is prepared.
Lechona Authentic recipe
The following is the traditional, Tolima-style, lechona recipe. Preparing this traditional roast pig involves carefully butchering, marinating, and layering pork, split peas, and caramelized onions inside the pig's salted skin. The skin is sewn tightly to encase the rich filling, then slow-roasted for hours to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Brushed with bitter orange juice during cooking, the skin develops its signature crunch and tang.
WHERE TO EAT The best Lechona in the world (according to food experts)
