Mexican love, with cumbia, huapango, and son! Welcome to Paulina Cocina , and if you're familiar with this Thalia song, today's a great time to sing it. The cochinita pibil recipe is so Mexican you won't believe it. While the recipe is a bit complex, requiring time and the search for some special ingredients if you're not in Mexico, it's so delicious that you can't miss making it.
And while you're at it, you can freeze it in portions or invite friends over to eat with you. You can eat it alone, in tortillas, as a starter, as a main course... It's very versatile.
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About cochinita pibil
What is it?
Cochinita pibil is a traditional Mexican dish originating from the Yucatán Peninsula. It is especially popular in the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo . It is made with pork, usually Iberian or suckling pig , marinated and slowly cooked in an earth oven called a "pib" or "pit," from which the name "pibil" comes.
Cochinita pibil is an example of how Mexican cuisine combines historical and cultural influences to create unique and delicious dishes. In addition to its distinctive flavor, this dish is a symbol of Mexico's rich culinary tradition and a showcase of the regional diversity of the country's cuisine.
4 unique features of this preparation
- Marinade : The main characteristic of cochinita pibil is its marinade. The meat is marinated with a mixture of achiote (a paste made from annatto seeds), sour orange juice, garlic, spices, and other ingredients. The achiote is responsible for giving it its characteristic red-orange color.
- Slow cooking : After marinating the meat for several hours or even overnight, it is wrapped in banana leaves and placed in the earth oven. Slow cooking at a low temperature allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the marinade.
- Side Dishes : Cochinita pibil is usually served on corn tortillas, forming tacos, and accompanied by pickled red onion, cilantro, and chili sauce, usually habanero. It's also commonly served with black beans and rice.
- Mayan Influence : Cochinita pibil has its roots in the cuisine of the ancient Mayan civilization. Earth oven cooking was a traditional Mayan cooking technique. The combination of ingredients and flavors reflects the fusion of Mayan culinary traditions and Spanish ingredients.
Speaking of Mexican food, here's a video of 10 classic Mexican recipes that you can't miss.
A recipe of powerful flavors
Cochinita pibil is a Mexican dish consisting primarily of marinated, slow-cooked pork. It typically uses chopped pork, such as loin, shoulder, or suckling pig.
Achiote is a paste made from annatto seeds . Achiote gives meat its characteristic red-orange color and distinctive flavor. The orange juice is an essential component of the marinade . It adds acidity and a fresh flavor to the meat.
Its ingredients
Garlic is an aromatic ingredient that adds flavor and depth to the marinade. Various spices and seasonings can be added according to regional and personal preferences . Some common seasonings include cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Banana leaves are used to wrap meat before cooking. They help retain moisture and flavor while cooking in the earth oven . The marinated meat is placed in the earth oven and covered with banana leaves before being buried underground for slow, even cooking.
What do you eat with cochinita pibil?
Cochinita pibil is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While there are no strict rules about what to drink with cochinita pibil , there are some common options that can complement and enhance the culinary experience.
Traditional Mexican drinks that pair well with cochinita pibil include horchata (made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla), jamaica (hibiscus flower infusion), and tamarind (tamarind ). These drinks are refreshing and can balance the rich, spicy flavor of the meat.
A cold and refreshing beer , such as a light lager or a Mexican beer, can be an excellent companion to cochinita pibil. The beer's crisp, effervescent profile can counteract the intensity of the flavors. It's ideal with a michelada .
If you prefer something more sophisticated, consider agave-based drinks, such as mezcal or tequila. These artisanal drinks can complement the flavors of cochinita pibil and offer a unique sensorial experience.
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Cochinita Pibil Recipe
Yield : 10 portions
Preparation time : 7 hours
Ingredients
- 1 kg of pork in pieces
- 100 gr of achiote paste
- 1 cup sour orange juice (or orange and lemon juice mix)
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dry oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Banana leaves
- Corn tortillas
- Pickled red onion, cilantro and chili sauce
How to make cochinita pibil
- In a large bowl, mix the achiote paste, bitter orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the pork pieces in the marinade until well coated. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Wash the banana leaves and soak them in hot water to make them more flexible.
- Place the meat in the center of each banana leaf and form tightly sealed packets. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the meat from the oven and shred with a fork.
- Serve cochinita pibil on corn tortillas with pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and chili sauce to taste.
