Okay, I'm ready for more. Ready to venture into the unknown. Take on a challenge that I have been contemplating for quite awhile... venturing deeper into Yucatan cuisine. I shall make a 'pibil' dish.
The better known version of this delicious dish is 'Cochinita Pibil', a piece of pork which is marinated in 'achiote' paste, and wrapped in a banana leave to cook slowly in the oven until the meat falls off the bones. It is very, very tasty. It can also be made with chicken or fish, so I have a whole new set of dishes to explore - fun! Best of all, the children are now excited about trying new dishes, they have widened their palate, and I am delighted.
Although I have not done it yet, I will share this one right away. It's a beautiful dish to bring some warmth in the heart of the winter, and it's perfect for hosting a dinner party. The amount of ingredients may seem a bit intimidating, but I assure you that it's worth it. So here it goes :
1 1/2 kilo of pork meat (shoulder or thigh)
Salt, pepper and 3 cloves of garlic
150 g of achiote paste (see below)
the juice of 3 sour oranges (see alternate juice in previous post entitled 'Tacos 101')
2 banana leaves ( and/or foil paper)
dried oregano leaves
Cut the meat in big pieces and season with salt, pepper and crushed garlic. Dilute the achiote paste in the bitter orange juice, and mix with the meat, coating every piece. Let the beat marinate as long as possible, overnight is great.
Soak the banana leaves in water for about 30 minutes. Unfold and place the banana leaves in a shallow dish so that the bottom of the dish is covered and the leaves stick out all around. Spread the pieces of meat on the bottom of the dish (on the banana leaves), add the oregano leaves, and wrap - folding the same leaves overtop of the dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the steam from escaping. Cook in the oven at 300 F for 90 minutes.
This traditional dish is served with white rice, a side of refried beans (home made please!), marinated red onions (see previous post entitled 'The North Wind Blowing'), and a pile of fresh corn tortillas.
If you decide to try making it - let me know how it goes! I will send you my side notes when my plate in empty : )
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