Cochinita Pibil

Photo: flickr user MMChicago

Ingredients

cup Achiote Paste or annatto paste see * N

10 Garlic cloves chopped

1 cup Sour Orange juice

8 Bay leaves crumbled

2 teaspoons Cumin seeds

teaspoon Cinnamon

2 teaspoons Ground thyme

1 teaspoon Dried oregano

1 teaspoon Sea salt

2 teaspoons Freshly-ground black pepper

4 pounds Pork butt cut into 2" chunks

1 pound Banana leaves, softened over low flame

(or use aluminum foil)

2 White onions sliced 1/2" thick

5 Roma tomatoes sliced 1/2" thick

4 Anaheim chiles roasted, peeled, and sliced in strips

Pickled shallots

Preparation

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 2 1/2 hours or until the pork is tender and moist. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes. Unwrap and serve with pickled shallots.

This recipe yields 8 to 10 servings.