Crispy Roasted Guinea Pig

Ingredients

• 1 whole guinea pig (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole guinea pig (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Potatoes and corn for serving Potatoes and corn for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Rinse the guinea pig thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
4. 4.
   Rub the marinade all over the guinea pig, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. 5.
   Place the guinea pig on a baking tray and roast it in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove the guinea pig from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the roasted guinea pig with potatoes and corn on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Guinea pig — Ensure that the guinea pig is sourced from a reputable supplier and is properly cleaned before cooking.
• Potatoes — Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture when serving.
• Corn — Fresh corn on the cob is ideal, but frozen corn can be used as a substitute if fresh is not available.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them into powder will enhance their flavor.
• Aji sauce — Serve the roasted guinea pig with a spicy aji sauce for an authentic Peruvian touch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Marinating the guinea pig overnight will intensify the flavors.
• Serve the roasted guinea pig with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
• If guinea pig is not available, you can adapt this recipe using chicken or rabbit as a substitute.
• To add a smoky flavor, consider grilling the guinea pig instead of roasting it.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Roasted Guinea Pig as the centerpiece of a festive Peruvian meal. Place the whole roasted guinea pig on a large platter and garnish it with fresh herbs and lime wedges. Accompany it with traditional Peruvian sides like boiled potatoes, corn on the cob, and aji sauce. Encourage guests to enjoy the crispy skin and tender meat by tearing it apart with their hands, embracing the communal and interactive nature of the dish.

Presentation advice

To create an impressive presentation, place the roasted guinea pig on a bed of banana leaves or colorful Peruvian textiles. Surround it with vibrant Peruvian vegetables and garnish with edible flowers for a pop of color. Consider adding small bowls of aji sauce and lime wedges around the platter for guests to customize their flavors.