Pork leg larded with vegetables and slow-roasted to perfection is a festive centerpiece. This high protein, family celebration dish is a fresh, hearty option for holiday dinners.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even, gentle heat throughout slow roasting.
Use a long, thin knife to create deep pockets throughout the pork leg. Fill each pocket with thin sticks of carrot, celery, bell pepper, and slices of garlic for even distribution and flavor infusion.
Rub the pork leg thoroughly with olive oil, then coat evenly with salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin to form a flavorful crust.
Scatter the remaining vegetables and onion in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place the pork leg on top, fat side up, to allow juices to drip over the meat.
Roast uncovered, basting every hour with pan juices, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 185°F (85°C) and shreds easily with a fork—approximately 4–5 hours depending on your oven and roast size.
Let the roast rest, lightly covered with foil, for 20 minutes before slicing and serving to lock in juices and achieve the best texture.