This dish is a influence from the Maya to all the South of Mexico and also here in Belize, that is why is so common to find this in Belize, most in the border with Mexico.
Cochinita refers to a baby pig, so true cochinita pibil would involve roasting a whole suckling pig. Alternatively, pork shoulder (butt roast), or pork loin is used in many recipes. The high acid content of the marinade and the slow cooking time tenderizes the meat, allowing otherwise tough pieces of meat to be used. The Yucatecan recipes always employ the juice of Seville or bitter oranges for marinating. In areas where bitter oranges are not common, juice of sweet oranges combined with lemons, limes or vinegar are employed to duplicate the effect of the bitter orange on the meat. Another important ingredient in all pibil recipes is achiote (know as red recado in Belize, which gives the meat its characteristic color and adds to flavor.
Traditionally, cochinita pibil was buried in a pit with a fire at the bottom to roast it. The Mayan word "pibil" means "buried".
Ingredients:
3 tbsp Red Recado
1 cup Orange Juice
1/2 cup Lime Juice
1/2 cup White Vinegar
3 pc Garlic
1 small pc Onion
Plantain Leaves
- Mix all the ingredients in the blender.
- You have to marinade the meat at least one day before with this sauce. (this will help to tenderize the meat)
- Cook the meat in the oven, wrapped with the plantain leaves for 40 - 50 min.
- Serve with Red onion and Habanero pepper.