Cochiniata Pibil is one of those dishes that has become popularized around the world through movies and folk lore. It is a traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork dish that originates from the Yucatan Peninsula. Typically, you prepare cochinita by marinating it with strong citric juices, seasoned with annatto seed, and roasted while wrapped in a banana leaf. The dish is easily recognized due to its strong burnt orange color. You can eat it alone, use it to fill your tacos, or just over rice. Whichever way you choose to eat it, you’ll definitely be satisfied.
Health Benefits
This dish has a lot going on in it. Like most Latin cuisine, this dish has a high citric content. That’s all for the best because citrus is one of those things that your body needs to be healthy. Citrus helps to prevent and treat some of the most basic sicknesses known to mankind like scurvy and the common cold. It also helps to prevent cancers, boost cellular repair and the metabolism, and detoxify the body.
Ingredients
2 lbs pork butt roast with bone
2 tbsp achiote paste
1/3 cup orange juice
2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 habanero peppers – seeded and chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground coriander
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 red onions – sliced into rings
How To Make Cochinita Pibil recipe
- Using a fork, poke holes all over the pork.
- Rub achiote paste over the entire surface of the pork then set aside.
- Mix together the orange juice, lemon juice, and habanero peppers in a large bowl.
- Mix in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Place pork in the mixture.
- Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Note: Turn over the pork two or three times.
- Preheat the oven to 325°
- Wrap the pork and marinade in banana leaves that have been soaked in water for 30 mins.
- Note: You can also use aluminum foil in place of banana leaves.
- Place into a casserole dish, and cover.
- Bake the dish for about 2 hrs or until the meat falls off the bone.
- Note: The slower you cook it, the better it is.
- Note: You could also bake it in a 200°F oven for 4 or 5 hours.
- Prepare the sauce while the pork is cooking.
- Bring the red wine vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add onions, reduce the temperature to medium-low, and let simmer until they turn tender.
- Pour the sauce over the pork.
- Serve with white rice and corn tortillas and enjoy!
Trivia
Cochinita Pibil is the favorite food of Johnny Depp's character in the movie Once Upon a Time in Mexico.