Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita pibil (also puerco pibil) is a traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork dish from Yucatán Península. Preparation of traditional cochinita or puerco pibil involves marinating the meat in strongly acidic citrus juice, coloring it with annatto seed, and roasting the meat while it is wrapped in banana leaf.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Annatto or Achiote paste
• 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 1/2 cup orange juice
• Juice of 2 limes
• 8 bay leaves, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 4 pounds pork butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 pound banana leaves, softened over low flame, or foil
• 2 white onions, sliced 1/2inch thick
• 5 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/2inch thick
• 4 Anaheim chiles, roasted, peeled and sliced into strips

Directions

In a medium size 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, toss to evenly coat and marinate, at room temperature, at least 4 hours.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Heat a dry cast iron skillet over high heat. Char the onion until blackened on both sides. Char the tomatoes on both sides. Reserve.

Line a large baking dish with one layer of the banana leaves or foil. Arrange the pork in an even layer and top with the onions, tomatoes and chiles and all the marinade. Cover with more banana leaves and wrap the dish tightly in foil. Bake for 21/2 hours or until the pork is tender and moist. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes. Unwrap and serve with pickled shallots.

c.1996, M.S. Milliken & S. Feniger,
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