Description
A traditional Romanian roasted pork leg joint marinated with garlic, thyme, and paprika — juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside. This recipe highlights the perfect balance of aromatic herbs and spices to create a flavorful, tender pork roast with a crispy skin that’s ideal for holiday feasts or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4–5 lb pork leg joint
Marinade & Seasoning
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Additional
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for roasting the pork leg joint evenly.
- Prepare the Pork: Rub the pork leg joint thoroughly with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful crust and infuses the meat with aromatic spices.
- Place in Roasting Pan: Set the seasoned pork leg into a roasting pan and pour 1 cup of water or broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Covered Roasting: Cover the roasting pan with a lid or foil and roast the pork in the oven for 1½ hours. This slow, covered roasting helps the meat cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Uncover and Crisp: Remove the cover and continue roasting uncovered for another 30 to 40 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up beautifully.
- Rest the Meat: Once roasted, remove the pork leg from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting helps redistribute the juices to keep the meat moist.
Notes
- Add potatoes or carrots into the roasting pan alongside the pork for a complete one-pan meal.
- Score the skin of the pork leg before seasoning to enhance crackling and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Romanian, Eastern European
