Best Pork Mimis Way Yucatan Style Cochinita Pibil Recipes

COCHINITA PIBIL RECIPE FROM YUCATáN

Steps:

• Roast the banana leaf, if you bought it from the frozen section of the supermarket, wait until it is completely defrosted.
• To roast the banana leaf, place it directly over a medium hot fire of you gas stove, it will start changing color and getting some shiny while in contact with the fire. Make sure not to burn the leaves, we just want them to be pliable.
• Line your roasting pan with the oven bag and arrange the banana leaves overlapping as in the above picture. You can also use aluminum foil instead of the oven bag.
• In your blender, mix the Achiote (annatto) seasoning with the pepper and bitter orange juice. Add salt.
• Place the pork meat on the leaves. Pour the Achiote mixture over. And add the oil/lard to give it more flavor.
• Cover with the sliced onion and herbs. Fold the ends of the banana leaves over the pork.
• Close the oven bag and cut 3 or 4 slits according to packages instructions. If using aluminum foil wrap tightly . Add about 1 1/2 quarter of water to the roasting pan to create a steaming effect. One time, I forgot to add the water and it still came out great.
• Bake 2 1/2 hours in a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Add more water to the pan if needed.
• Remove roasting pan from oven and uncover the meat. The meat should be tender. If it isn't, cover and return to the oven for another 30 minutes.

COCHINITA PIBIL

Steps:

• Make a marinade by mixing the annatto paste, orange juice, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon salt in a large nonreactive bowl until well blended.
• Place the pork in the mixture. Line a Dutch oven or casserole with banana leaves, overlapping the leaves and covering the bottom and sides of the pan well.
• Place the marinated pork meat in the banana leaf-lined pan, then pour the remaining marinade over the meat and fold the banana leaves so that the meat is completely covered. For best results, marinate, refrigerated, overnight, or for at least 3 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Cover and seal the pan with aluminum foil, preferably heavy-duty.
• Bake until the meat is tender to the point of falling apart with a fork, 5 to 6 hours.
• Slice red onion in very thin julienne and place in a small bowl. Combine white vinegar, 1/2 cup water and remaining tablespoon salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then pour over red onions. Allow to steep for 1 hour, then serve or refrigerate for later.
• To serve as an entree, unwrap the banana leaves and serve right from the pan with refried black beans, white rice and corn tortillas. Don't forget the garnishes of pickled red onions and whole habanero peppers.

COCHINITA PIBIL

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mash together the achiote paste, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper with a fork. Add the pork and toss to evenly coat. Marinate, covered and refrigerated, at least 4 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Heat a dry cast-iron skillet over high heat. Char the onions until blackened on both sides. Then char the tomatoes on both sides. Reserve.
• Line a large baking dish with 1 layer of banana leaves or foil. Arrange the pork in an even layer and top with the onions, tomatoes, chiles, and all the marinade. Cover with more banana leaves and wrap the dish tightly in foil.
• Bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the pork is tender and moist. Remove from the oven and let sit 10 minutes. Unwrap and serve with Pickled Shallots.
• Combine the vinegar, wine, sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, chili flakes, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the shallots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely in the liquid. Transfer the shallots and all their liquid to a jar or plastic container. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.