Authentic Cochinita Pibil (Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork)

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Pork shoulder or pork butt (about 3-4 pounds)
2. Ancho chili powder (2 tablespoons)
3. Oregano (1 tablespoon, dried)
4. Cumin (1 tablespoon)
5. Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
6. Brown sugar (2 tablespoons)
7. Lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
8. Salt (1 teaspoon)
9. Fresh cilantro (handful, chopped)
10. Bay leaves (2-3)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 6-8 hours (low and slow cooking)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty due to extended cooking time)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ancho chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.
2. Rub the pork shoulder with the spice mixture, ensuring all areas are covered.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker or roasting pan with the bay leaves and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
5. When the pork is cooked, shred it with two forks into pulled pork.
6. Serve with fresh chopped cilantro and enjoy with some tortillas or rice.

Nutritional Information: (Based on the given ingredients and a standard nutrition database)

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving (depending on the exact weight of pork)
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Protein: 50-60g

Dish Characteristics:

• Spicy yet sweet flavor from the combination of ancho chili powder and brown sugar.
• The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy dish.
• The dish has a Mexican influence with the use of ancho chili powder and oregano, yet it's suitable for American taste buds.

User Comments:

1. "The flavors were spot on! The pork was so tender and juicy."
2. "This dish was a hit with my family. The spice level was perfect for us."
3. "I love how easy this recipe is to make in a slow cooker. It's a great dish to make on a busy day."
4. "The combination of ancho chili powder and brown sugar created a unique flavor that I really enjoyed."
5. "Great dish for a party or family gathering!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to rub the spice mixture into all areas of the pork shoulder to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Use a slow cooker or low-heat oven setting to ensure the pork cooks evenly and reaches a tender texture. Do not overcook or it may become dry.