Ingredients and Weight:
- Pork shoulder or butt (800-900 grams)
- Annatto seeds (1 tablespoon) for color
- Orange juice (1 cup)
- White vinegar (1/4 cup)
- Fresh garlic (3-4 cloves), crushed
- Achiote paste or powder (2 tablespoons)
- Oregano (1 tablespoon)
- Thyme (1 tablespoon)
- Salt (1-2 teaspoons)
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (optional, for serving)
Preparation Time:
- Marinating: 4-6 hours or overnight
- Cooking: 3-4 hours in a low oven
- Total Preparation Time: About 8 hours (including marinating and cooking)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Cut the pork into large pieces and place in a deep dish or bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients (except the lime juice) together in a separate bowl and pour over the pork, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
- Cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Transfer the pork and its marinate to a baking dish or roasting pan.
- Cover the dish and bake for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and fully cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~5g
Protein: ~45g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- A traditional Yucatan dish from Mexico, featuring slow-cooked pork with a rich, savory flavor and a unique blend of spices.
- The combination of citrusy flavors and the use of annatto seeds give it a unique and appetizing color and taste.
- The dish is served hot, with a slight tang from the lime juice, balancing the rich meat perfectly.
User Comments:
- "The flavor was amazing! The combination of spices and citrus really made this dish stand out."
- "I followed the recipe to a T and it was delicious. The meat was so tender and juicy."
- "I love how easy this dish was to make, especially since it's a traditional one. It was a hit at my dinner party!"
- "I added some chopped fruity peppers for a kick of heat, which went really well with the other flavors."
- "The only thing I would do differently next time is to marinate it for a longer period, to enhance the flavor even more."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of good quality to achieve the best flavor.
- If possible, use authentic Mexican spices like achiote paste for better authenticity.
- This dish is best served with warm corn tortillas or rice to soak up all the juices.
- Marinating the pork overnight will enhance the flavor even more than the minimum 4-6 hours.
