Cochinita Pibil

Certainly! I'd be happy to help you learn more about Cochinita Pibil.

Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mexican slow-cooked pork dish from the Yucatan Peninsula. The name "Cochinita Pibil" comes from the Mayan word "cochinita," which means "small pig," and "pibil," which means "buried." This refers to the traditional method of cooking the pork in an underground oven, called a "pib," which is lined with hot stones and banana leaves.

To make Cochinita Pibil, pork shoulder or pork butt is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices (usually sour oranges, but sometimes a combination of orange, lime, and grapefruit), garlic, spices (such as achiote, oregano, and cumin), and sometimes colored with annatto seeds. The pork is then slow-cooked, traditionally for several hours, until it is tender and flavorful.

The dish is often served with warm tortillas, pickled onions, and a variety of salsas. It is a popular dish in Mexican restaurants, and is also commonly found at festivals and celebrations.

Here is a basic recipe for Cochinita Pibil:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Mix all the marinade ingredients (orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper) in a blender or food processor until smooth.

2. Place the pork in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over the pork and mix well to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

4. If using banana leaves, rinse them in warm water to soften and wrap the pork pieces in the leaves. If not using banana leaves, you can wrap the pork in aluminum foil.

5. Place the pork in a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over it.

6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 3-4 hours or until the pork is tender.

7. Serve with warm tortillas, pickled onions, and your choice of salsas.

I hope this helps you learn more about Cochinita Pibil! It's a delicious and flavorful dish that's worth trying.