How to Make a Pig Roaster Box

Roasting a pig underground might sound a bit counter-intuitive, but, if one thinks about it objectively, nothing seals in juices better than an underground pit. Also, imagine that one great moment when, the barbecue now official and everyone waiting for the main course, the roaster pulls the hog from out of the ground like some tasty excavation. Make sure to start early enough, as the pig takes about 14-15 hours to cook, and get the guests ready for some delicious roasted pig.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of aluminum foil
• Chicken wire
• Firewood
• Sheet metal

Instructions

1. 

   Wrap the prepared pig in chicken wire and aluminum foil. This will keep the swine from getting dirt on it as it cooks in the ground. Set the pig aside for now.

2. Dig a hole three feet deep and long enough to cover a bit more than the length of the pig. In an area near the roasting site, pile enough firewood to make a bonfire (for those unfamiliar with bonfire standards, you'll need about 1/9th of a cord of wood), and light it. Let the wood burn down to coals.

3. 

   When the coals are finished, shovel them into the hole until they create an eight-inch layer. Sprinkle about a three-inch layer of dirt on the coals. Lay the wrapped pig on the coals. Sprinkle more dirt on the pig, giving it a four-inch layer. Add another layer of coals on the dirt. Cover the whole thing with sheet metal and put dirt on the ends of the sheet, sealing the roast.

4. The pig will take about 14-15 hours to cook.

   Check the pig every four hours and replace coal on top if necessary, making sure to keep the pit very hot.

5. When the pig is done, take the sheet metal away and pull the chicken wire up to get the pig out (make sure it's not too hot!). Place the hog on a picnic table and eat up!

Tips & Warnings

• A live hog can be purchased from a farm, an auction, or certain meat markets. If this sounds too extreme, a dressed hog (gutted and cut) can be purchased from a meat market. To shave the hog, wet its skin with hot towels and shave with a straight razor.

• The pit is extremely hot. Use utmost discretion when roasting not to get burned. Never leave fire unattended.