A Taste of Yucatan: How to Cook Cochinita Pibil at Home

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Transport yourself to the sun-soaked shores of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula with a delicious taste of Cochinita Pibil – a traditional dish bursting with flavor and history.

Originating from the Mayan culture of the region, Cochinita Pibil is a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked underground for hours until tender and succulent. While the traditional method involves a pit oven known as a pib, you can easily replicate the flavors of Yucatan in the comfort of your own home. Here's how:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks

• 1 cup achiote paste

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Banana leaves (available at El Paisano)

• Tortillas, pickled onions, and habanero salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

2. Place the pork shoulder chunks in a large resealable plastic bag or container, and pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure the pork is well-coated in the marinade, then seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

4. Line a baking dish with banana leaves, allowing them to hang over the edges.

5. Place the marinated pork and marinade in the center of the banana leaves, then fold the leaves over the pork to create a package.

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.

7. Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the juices and marinade.

8. Serve the Cochinita Pibil with warm tortillas, pickled onions, and habanero salsa for a truly authentic experience.

Short on Time? We've Got You Covered

If you're craving the flavors of Yucatan but short on time, swing by El Paisano to pick up our thaw, reheat, and eat version of Cochinita Pibil. Made right here in Canada with the knowledge and love of Mexican hands, our version captures the unique flavors of this traditional dish, so you can enjoy a taste of Yucatan without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

Visit Us Today

Ready to embark on a culinary adventure to the Yucatan Peninsula? Visit El Paisano to stock up on all the ingredients you need to cook Cochinita Pibil at home, from achiote paste to banana leaves. And if you're pressed for time, don't forget to grab our ready-to-eat version for a taste of Mexico in minutes. ¡Buen provecho!