Slow Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

I got a good deal on pork belly at the grocery store ($13!) so searched for a suitable recipe and came up with this one.  I've tinkered with tiny pieces of pork belly with no recipes; and had mixed results.  I needed to follow a guideline so I didn't waste my time or the meat.  I had to adjust the cooking time as my pork was double the size as the recipe and I just guessed at it.  What I used:

• 1.7 kg / 3.75 lbs pork belly with skin on, NOT SCORED. 
• 1  & 1/2 teaspoons olive oil , divided
• "Traeger Rub" seasoning mix (Notes of garlic, paprika, oregano, & chili pepper), to taste
• Kosher salt, divided to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

I rinsed the pork belly since mine was cryovaced.  I dried it really well with paper towels then moved it onto a sheet pan.  I put it in the fridge overnight, skin side up to air dry.  

I preheated my oven to 285°F.  I laid some doubled up tin foil on the baking sheet and then flipped the skin over.  I coated the meat with some olive oil and seasoned all the meat with the Traeger rub, S&P, massaging it in and the sides as well.  

I flipped it over skin side up and built a foil tray around the meat leaving the fat exposed.  This was so the meat could cook in its own fat.  I oiled the skin and covered it liberally with kosher salt.  I put this in the oven for 2 hours.

At that time it had shrunk a little so I adjusted the foil tighter to keep it snug again. 

It went back in the oven for another hour.  I removed it from the oven, drained the fat off and turned the heat up to  465°F.

I put a rack on the cookie sheet.  I put this in the oven for another half hour, rotating the tray every 15 minutes until the crackling was deep golden, puffy and crispy.  

I took it out and let it rest 15 minutes before slicing.  There was so much fat leftover when done, I think I had about 2 cups or more!

OMFG, this turned out DIVINE!!!  The pork was so flavorful and tender and the cracklin' just heavenly dreamy and crispy.  We were extremely happy with the outcome and I probably will not make it any other way now that I know how to get perfection!  👩‍🍳💋👌.