Indulge in the tantalizing culinary tradition of Colombia with our guide to the beloved Lechona. This iconic dish embodies the essence of Colombian cuisine, featuring a succulent roasted pig stuffed with a fragrant blend of rice, peas, onions, and spices. Join us on a flavorful journey as we uncover the secrets behind the preparation of Lechona, its cultural significance, and where to savor this mouthwatering delicacy across Colombia. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of authentic Colombian gastronomy, the Lechona promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pig (about 20-25 pounds), cleaned and gutted
• 5 cups of rice
• 2 cups of green peas
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons of ground achiote (annatto)
• 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of orange juice
• 1 cup of beer
• 1 cup of vegetable oil

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2- Rinse the pig thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Set it aside while you prepare the stuffing.

3- In a large bowl, combine the rice, green peas, chopped onions, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground achiote, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

4- Stuff the pig's cavity with the prepared rice mixture. Pack it tightly to ensure it fills the entire cavity of the pig.

5- Sew the cavity shut using kitchen twine or skewers to secure the stuffing inside.

6- Rub the outside of the pig with salt and pepper to season it.

7- In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, orange juice, beer, and vegetable oil to create a basting liquid.

8- Place the stuffed pig in a large roasting pan, then pour the basting liquid over it, ensuring the pig is well-coated.

9- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, making sure it's tightly sealed.

10- Roast the pig in the preheated oven for about 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

11- Every hour, baste the pig with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan to keep it moist and flavorful.

12- Once the pig is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes before serving.

13- To serve, carve the pig into portions, making sure each serving includes a generous amount of the flavorful rice stuffing.

14- Enjoy the succulent and aromatic delight of Colombian Lechona with your favorite side dishes and accompaniments.

Note: This recipe yields a traditional Colombian Lechona, but feel free to adjust the seasonings and stuffing ingredients according to your taste preferences. Serve with lime wedges and Colombian hot sauce for an authentic experience.

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for the ingredients in the Colombian Lechona recipe can be challenging due to variations in portion sizes, specific brands, and preparation methods. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information based on common nutritional databases for some of the key ingredients:

Whole Pig (20-25 pounds):

• Due to the complexity of calculating the nutritional value of a whole pig, it's best to refer to specific cuts of pork for nutritional information.

Rice (5 cups, uncooked):

• Calories: Approximately 675 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 150g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:

• Rich source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains fiber for digestive health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as manganese, selenium, and magnesium.

benefits:

Green Peas (2 cups):

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits:

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as various B vitamins, contributing to overall health and immunity.

Onions (2 large):

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health.
• Provides vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and potassium, supporting immune function and heart health.

Garlic (6 cloves):

• Calories: Approximately 24 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, including antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Spices and Seasonings (cumin, achiote, oregano, salt, pepper):

• Negligible caloric contribution when used in typical amounts.

Chicken Broth (4 cups, low sodium):

• Calories: Approximately 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Provides hydration and replenishes electrolytes.
• Contains collagen, which supports joint health and may improve skin elasticity.
• Offers essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health.

Orange Juice (2 cups):

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, boosting immunity and promoting collagen production for healthy skin.
• Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may reduce inflammation.
• Provides hydration and natural sugars for energy.

Beer (1 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cardiovascular health.
• Moderate consumption has been associated with increased bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis.
• Provides B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folic acid, supporting metabolism and energy production.

Vegetable Oil (1 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 1920 kcal
• Fat: 216g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when consumed in moderation.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands and preparation methods. It's essential to consider these values as estimates and adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences.