Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mexican dish featuring slow-cooked, marinated pork that is tender and bursting with flavor, wrapped in banana leaves and infused with citrus and spices. This healthy version maintains the authentic taste while focusing on lean cuts of meat and natural ingredients.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder - 300 grams
• Achiote paste - 30 grams
• Orange juice - 100 milliliters
• Lime juice - 30 milliliters
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Banana leaves - 2 large pieces
• Red onion - 1 small, sliced
• Cilantro - for garnish

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
4. Lay out the banana leaves on a flat surface. Place the marinated pork in the center of the leaves and top with sliced red onion.
5. Fold the banana leaves over the pork to create a sealed parcel. You can use kitchen twine to secure it if necessary.
6. Place the wrapped pork in a baking dish and add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to create steam during cooking.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before unwrapping.
9. Shred the pork with two forks and serve garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle health and repair.
• Contains antioxidants from achiote and citrus, which can boost the immune system.

Tags