Hog Roast
Cuisine: British Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Pork Shoulder
1 whole (4000)
Salt
2 tablespoon (30)
Black Pepper
1 tablespoon (10)
Garlic Cloves
4 whole (20)
Rosemary
2 sprigs (5)
Thyme
2 sprigs (5)
Onions
2 whole (200)
Apples
2 whole (300)
Cider Vinegar
1 cup (240)
Water
2 cups (480)
Totals
187 oz
(5,290 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Pork Shoulder
280
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Garlic Powder
10
Onion Powder
10
Paprika
20
Dried Thyme
5
Dried Rosemary
5
Olive Oil
120
Apple Cider Vinegar
0
Brown Sugar
45
Buns
140
Sauces
50
Coleslaw
100
Totals
785 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Hog
- Clean the hog thoroughly by removing any excess hair and debris.
- Rinse the hog with water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Score the skin of the hog with a sharp knife, making diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart.
Step 2: Seasoning the Hog
- Rub the hog generously with a mixture of salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices.
- Ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed, covering both the skin and the meat.
Step 3: Preparing the Spit
- Assemble and secure the spit rod according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Insert the spit rod through the length of the hog, ensuring it is centered and balanced.
Step 4: Cooking the Hog
- Set up a charcoal or wood fire pit, ensuring it is a safe distance away from any flammable objects.
- Light the fire and let it burn until the coals are white and glowing.
- Place the hog on the spit over the fire, ensuring it is secure and will rotate evenly.
Step 5: Roasting the Hog
- Adjust the height of the hog above the fire, aiming for a medium heat.
- Rotate the spit slowly and consistently, allowing the hog to cook evenly on all sides.
- Baste the hog occasionally with a mixture of oil, vinegar, and your choice of herbs and spices to keep it moist.
Step 6: Monitoring the Hog
- Continuously monitor the temperature of the hog using a meat thermometer.
- Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
- Adjust the fire and cooking time as needed to maintain a steady temperature.
Step 7: Resting and Carving
- Once the hog reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the spit and place it on a clean surface.
- Tent the hog loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Carve the hog into desired portions, ensuring to separate the crackling (crispy skin) from the meat.
Step 8: Serving
- Serve the hog roast with accompaniments such as stuffing, apple sauce, or gravy.
- Arrange the meat and crackling on a platter, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy the flavorful and succulent hog roast with your guests.
Note: It is essential to follow proper food safety guidelines throughout the preparation and cooking process, ensuring the hog is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risks of foodborne illnesses.
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Hog Roast in British Cuisine:
1. Pork Shoulder: Substitute with boneless pork loin or boneless pork leg. Adjust cooking time as needed, as these cuts may cook faster than a shoulder.
2. Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt in the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
3. Black Pepper: Replace with white pepper or ground mixed peppercorns, using the same amount as specified.
4. Garlic: Swap fresh garlic cloves with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of powder/granules for every clove.
5. Fresh Rosemary: Substitute with dried rosemary, using 1/3 of the amount mentioned for fresh rosemary.
6. Fresh Thyme: Replace with dried thyme, using 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh thyme.
7. Olive Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used instead. Use the same quantity mentioned for olive oil.
8. Cider Vinegar: Swap with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in the same quantity.
9. Brown Sugar: Use an equal amount of white sugar or honey as a substitute for brown sugar.
10. Mustard: If you don't have the specific type mentioned, use Dijon mustard or yellow mustard as an alternative.
11. Worcestershire Sauce: Replace with soy sauce or tamari sauce in the same quantity.
12. Onion: If you don't have onions, substitute with shallots or leeks using the same quantity mentioned.
13. Apples: Use pears or peaches as a substitute, maintaining the same quantity.
14. Bread Rolls: Any type of bread rolls or buns can be used as a replacement, adjusting the size as needed.
15. Apple Sauce: Swap with cranberry sauce or apricot jam in the same quantity.
Note: Adjustments in cooking time and temperature may be required based on the specific substitute ingredient used.
Pairings
1. Apple sauce
2. Stuffing
3. Pickled vegetables
4. Coleslaw
5. Yorkshire pudding
6. Roasted potatoes
7. Gravy
8. Mustard
9. Horseradish sauce
10. Cider
11. Beer
12. Red wine
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Create a visually appealing platter by arranging the hog roast slices in an artful manner.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs for a touch of elegance.
- Add vibrant colors by serving the hog roast with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a colorful salad.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the hog roast overnight in a flavorful combination of herbs, spices, and citrus zest to enhance the taste.
- Baste the hog roast with a glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Incorporate a variety of wood chips during the roasting process to infuse a smoky aroma into the meat.
3. Elevate with luxurious ingredients:
- Enhance the recipe by stuffing the hog roast with a decadent mixture of truffles, mushrooms, and foie gras.
- Serve the hog roast with a rich and velvety truffle sauce drizzled over the top.
- Accompany the hog roast with a side of creamy mashed potatoes made with truffle-infused butter.
Remember, these suggestions are meant to inspire and elevate your hog roast experience. Feel free to adapt and tailor them to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of pork or opt for a different protein source like turkey or chicken for a lower fat content.
- Remove the skin before cooking to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Season the meat with herbs, spices, and citrus juices instead of using excessive amounts of salt or high-sodium seasonings.
- Serve the hog roast with a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.
- Offer whole grain bread or lettuce wraps as alternative options to traditional white buns for those who prefer lower carbohydrate or gluten-free options.
- Provide a selection of sauces and condiments, including low-fat or reduced-sodium options, to accommodate different dietary needs.
- For individuals with specific dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance, ensure that any marinades, sauces, or side dishes are free from these ingredients.
- Consider offering vegetarian or vegan alternatives, such as roasted vegetables or plant-based protein options, to cater to those following a meat-free diet.
- Provide a variety of side dishes, including salads and fruit platters, to offer lighter options for those watching their calorie intake.
- Finally, encourage portion control to maintain a balanced meal and prevent overeating.
Healthy Choices
1. Choose lean cuts of pork: Opt for leaner cuts of pork, such as loin or tenderloin, instead of fatty cuts like shoulder or belly.
2. Trim excess fat: Remove any visible fat from the pork before cooking to reduce calorie and saturated fat content.
3. Use minimal oil: When roasting the pork, use a minimal amount of oil or consider using a cooking spray to reduce added fats.
4. Add more veggies: Serve the hog roast with a variety of colorful vegetables, like roasted carrots, peppers, and zucchini, to increase fiber and nutrient content.
5. Use whole grain bread: Instead of traditional white bread rolls, choose whole grain buns or bread for a healthier source of carbohydrates and added fiber.
6. Offer healthier condiments: Provide healthier condiment options like low-fat yogurt-based sauces, salsa, or homemade chutneys instead of high-fat dressings or mayonnaise-based sauces.
7. Control portion sizes: Serve smaller portions of the hog roast to help control calorie intake and prevent overeating.
8. Limit sodium: Be mindful of the amount of salt used in seasoning and opt for herbs, spices, and other flavorings to enhance taste instead.
9. Serve with a side salad: Accompany the hog roast with a side salad or coleslaw made with a light dressing to increase vegetable intake and add freshness to the meal.
10. Hydrate with water: Encourage guests to stay hydrated by providing water as the main beverage option instead of sugary drinks or alcohol.
Shortcuts
1. Use a smaller cut of pork: Opt for a smaller-sized hog or a pork shoulder instead of a whole hog to save time and money.
2. Pre-marinate the meat: Marinate the pork overnight to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat, saving time during cooking.
3. Utilize a slow cooker: Cook the pork in a slow cooker to save time and effort, allowing the meat to cook slowly and become tender without constant monitoring.
4. Use a rub instead of basting: Instead of basting the meat throughout the cooking process, apply a flavorful rub before cooking, reducing the need for constant attention.
5. Consider a gas or electric rotisserie: If available, use a gas or electric rotisserie instead of a traditional spit-roast method to save time and effort.
6. Opt for a smaller-sized gathering: Reduce the size of the event or gathering to minimize the amount of meat needed, saving both time and money.
7. Serve with budget-friendly sides: Choose economical side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables to complement the hog roast without breaking the bank.
8. Plan ahead for leftovers: Plan for leftovers and repurpose the roast pork into sandwiches, tacos, or stir-fries to make the most of the meat and save time on future meals.
9. Use store-bought sauces: Instead of making sauces from scratch, consider using store-bought options to save time and effort without compromising on taste.
10. Opt for a simpler presentation: Rather than investing time in an elaborate presentation, focus on the taste and tenderness of the meat, simplifying the overall preparation process.