The Puerto Rican roast pork or as it's commonly known "lechón asado" is a staple in every menu across the island during the Christmas holiday. Served with arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), guineos en escabeche (pickled green bananas), pasteles (similar to tamales), and ensalada de coditos (cold pasta salad) it is an explosion of flavors and pure deliciousness!
Be warned! This menu is not for those on a diet! 👀
Be warned! This menu is not for those on a diet! 👀
What is pernil, lechón asado or pig on a stick?
The pig roast is slowly roasted on a stick for almost 8 hours seasoned with herbs such as, adobo, sazón, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
However, you don't need to roast a pig on a stick, you can buy a pork shoulder (pernil) and roast it in the oven!
Now for the pernil recipe.
There are many different recipes, and each family gives it it their own special twist. I usually go with this one that I'm sharing from El Boricua Pernil al Horno with specific instructions, and tips on roasting the pork shoulder.
 |
| Source |
 |
| Source |
However, you don't need to roast a pig on a stick, you can buy a pork shoulder (pernil) and roast it in the oven!
Now for the pernil recipe.
There are many different recipes, and each family gives it it their own special twist. I usually go with this one that I'm sharing from El Boricua Pernil al Horno with specific instructions, and tips on roasting the pork shoulder.
 |
| "Pernil al horno" Oven roasted pork roast. This tasty looking pernil was one that my Mom actually roasted. |
When is Christmas celebrated in Puerto Rico?
Christmas is really big in Puerto Rico. The celebration really starts right after Thanksgiving when every one puts up their Christmas decorations all the way through January 16th. Want to know more click below, and enjoy our traditions:
Christmas in Puerto Rico
Who brings gifts?
On Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) gifts are exchanged among family members.
Santa on Christmas day and the Magi on Three Kings Day. Yes, children receive gifts on both days. You can read a fun story on how "The day that the Three Wise Men were met with Santa Claus Spanish Children's Book". You can also celebrate Three Kings Day here in the U.S.A, and if you visit Puerto Rico during Christmas these are 6 Ways to Celebrate Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico.
¡Feliz Navidad!
Welcome to our fourth annual Christmas in Different Lands series! This year each participating blogger will focus on a different country, sharing a traditional dish and more about Christmas in that country. For even more glimpses of global Christmas celebrations, see our series from previous years (2013, 2014, and 2015), plus follow our Christmas board on Pinterest!
December 2
Multicultural Baby on Multicultural Kid Blogs: Japan
December 5
Crafty Moms Share: Nigeria
December 7
English Wife Indian Life: India
December 8
Living Ideas: Indonesia
December 9
Creative World of Varya: Lebanon
December 12
Hanna Cheda on Multicultural Kid Blogs: Poland
December 13
the piri-piri lexicon: Portugal
December 14
Raising a Trilingual Child: Italy
December 15
Let the Journey Begin: Latvia
December 16
Pack-n-Go Girls: Austria
December 17
Spanish Monkey: Spain
December 19
Uno Zwei Tutu on Multicultural Kid Blogs: Colombia
December 20
Multicultural Baby: Paraguay
December 21
La Clase de Sra. DuFault: Chile
December 22
Discovering the World Through My Son's Eyes: Puerto Rico
December 23
All Done Monkey: Haiti
Don't miss our other posts about Christmas in different lands, plus our printable pack Celebrate Christmas Around the World, on sale now!