Chancho al palo

Chancho al palo is a traditional dish from Huaral that translates to "pork on the pole." The main characteristic of chancho al palo is the cooking method. A whole pig or large cuts of pork are marinated with spices and then skewered on large vertical or diagonal stakes. The stakes with the pork are then set around a wood fire, allowing the meat to roast slowly and evenly. The pork is typically marinated with a mix of Peruvian spices and ingredients, including garlic, cumin, aji panca, and other seasonings meant to infuse flavor into the meat. Once the pork is roasted to a crispy exterior and tender interior, it's sliced off and typically served with traditional Peruvian sides like boiled yucca (cassava), potatoes, salads, and various sauces. This method of preparation is often reserved for special occasions, festivities, or large gatherings due to the size of the meat and the communal nature of the cooking process.