This crispy pork leg roast with tomato jam glaze combines the juiciness of slow-cooked pork with the sweet and tangy flavour of tomato jam, creating a delectably crisp crust that’s simply irresistible. The roast is first tenderised in an Instant Pot and then finished in the oven to achieve that perfect golden crispness. With a spice blend that adds depth and complexity, this dish celebrates flavours and textures, ideal for a special occasion or a cosy family dinner.
Crispy pork leg roast with tomato jam glaze
Ingredients
- 1 large pork leg with fat
- Marinade
- 1 tbsp peppercorns
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tbsp Szechuan pepper seeds
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
- Olive oil (enough to form a paste)
- Tomato jam (for brushing)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade
In a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, crush the peppercorns, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and Szechuan pepper seeds to a course powder.
Mix in the coarse salt.
Combine this spice blend with enough olive oil to form a thick paste.
Marinate the pork: Generously brush the pork leg with the spice and oil mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Cook in the Instant Pot: Place the marinated pork leg in an Instant Pot. Set it to cook on low pressure for 30-40 minutes. This step ensures the pork is tender and moist.
Oven roasting
Preheat your oven to a high heat (around 220ºC).
Transfer the pork leg from the Instant Pot to an oven-proof dish.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the pork is golden and crispy.
Halfway through, brush the pork leg with tomato jam to enhance flavour and aid in crisping.
Final glaze and crisp
Increase the oven temperature to the highest setting or switch to the broil setting for the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking. Brush the leg roast again with some tomato jam and roast until the surface is super crispy and the glaze has caramelised.
To serve: Allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the reserved cooking liquid from the Instant Pot as a delicious sauce to complement the meat.
Also See: Sweet & sour BBQ pork ribs
Recipe and image: SA Pork
