Start by thoroughly cleaning the pork trotters. Remove any hair, excess fat, or debris using a sharp knife or by scorching them over an open flame. Rinse the trotters under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the cleaned trotters and add enough water to cover them completely.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the trotters with delicious flavors.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the trotters simmer gently for about 2-2.5 hours, or until they become tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
Occasionally skim off any impurities or foam that rise to the surface of the cooking liquid.Once the trotters are tender, carefully remove them from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon, and place them on a colander to drain excess liquid.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If desired, you can transfer the cooked trotters to a baking tray lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Brush the trotters with vegetable oil and season them with salt and pepper, to taste. This will add flavor and help achieve a crispy texture.
Place the trotters in the preheated oven and roast them for about 20-30 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown and crispy exterior. Flip them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
Once cooked, remove the trotters from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve the succulent pork trotters as a main dish, accompanied by your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or crusty bread.