Make sure the skin is very dry. If required, leave it uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking.<
Using a Stanley knife or a Mickey knife, score the rind. Cut into the fat but not into the flesh. I like to score the rind about ½ – 1cm wide. Make sure the belly has no stray bristles on it. Rub the rind with a little olive oil and massage salt thoroughly into it.
Preheat the oven to 220C.
Place in the oven on a rack in a roasting pan, for 30 minutes or until the skin begins to puff up and look crisp.
Turn the oven down to 140C and continue to roast uncovered for a further 2½ hours. Remove from the oven and rest well before serving.