Cochinillo asado facts for kids
Tostón asado or cochinillo asado is a yummy dish. It's made from a roasted baby pig. This special meal is very popular in Spanish cuisine. You'll find it often in the Castile region of Spain. The versions from Arévalo and Segovia are especially famous. It's also enjoyed in Madrid and parts of La Mancha and Aragón. This dish is cooked in an oven. It's traditionally made in a special clay pot. It's served hot with a super crispy skin. Many people enjoy it with wine.
A Look at History
Tostón asado has been a part of Castilian cooking for a long time. It dates back to when the Romans came to Spain. In the 1600s, cochinillo asado became very popular. It was served in bars and eateries all over Castile. Travelers heading to Madrid would often stop to enjoy it.
By the mid-1900s, restaurants in Segovia and Madrid started competing. They all wanted to be known for the best recipe. This was a way to attract more visitors. Cándido is one of the most famous taverns. The owner, Cándido, became well-known in the 20th century. He would serve the piglet dishes with special songs. This tradition became famous around the world.
How It's Made
You can find cochinillo asado in many markets and butcher shops in Spain. To prepare it, the baby pig is cleaned carefully. Some recipes say to leave the kidneys in. There are many ways to prepare tostón asado. How the piglet is cut also varies.
First, the piglet's stomach is cut open. The backbone is also cut down the middle. Then, the inside is cleaned. The piglet is often coated with pork fat. A bit of laurel leaves and twigs are added. It's then cooked in a clay pot in an oven. In other areas, white wine is used. This helps make the meat very tender.
Tostón asado is usually served right in the same clay pot. Sometimes, the meat is marinated for several days. Then, it's dried before roasting. Traditionally, a wood-fired oven is used to roast the piglets.
Wine is a popular drink to have with roast suckling pig. The dish is often served with special decorations. A common way is to place an apple in the piglet's mouth.
See also
In Spanish: Cochinillo asado para niños
