Lynn's Loin in Banana Leaves Cochinita Pibil
3 1/2 pounds (to 4-1/2) pork, preferably end of loin, untrimmed
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Seville orange juice (see note)
1 tablespoon achiote seeds (heaping)
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon oregano
12 peppercorns
3 whole allspice
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/8 teaspoon powdered chile seco (may substitute hot paprika)
1 teaspoon Ssalt
3 tablespoons Seville orange juice or Mild white vinegar
2 large pieces banana leaf
Serving day
A Dutch oven
the wrapped meat
1/2 cup cold water
Pierce the pork all over and rub in the 2 teaspoons salt and 2 tablespoons
orange juice. Set aside while you prepare the seasoning paste.
Grind the achiote seeds, cumin, oregano, peppercorns and allspice together to a
fine powder.
Crush the garlic together with the chile seco, salt and 3 tablespoons Seville
orange juice and mix with other powdered spices. The mixture should be a thick
paste. Coat the pork with the paste.
Lightly sear the banana leaves over a bare flame to make them more flexible.
Wrap the meat up in them and leave to season in the refrigerator for at least
six hours or overnight.
ON SERVING DAY:
Preheat oven to 325°. Place a rack at the bottom of the Dutch oven and
cover the dish with a tight fitting lid. Cook for 2 1/2 hours. Turn the meat and
baste it well with the juices at the bottom of the pot. Cook for another 2 1/2
hours, or until the meat is soft and falling off the bone.
After cooking, shred the meat roughly. Pour the fat and juices from the pan
over it. Serve hot, with tortillas and the sauce so that each person can make
his or her own tacos.
Salsa
1/2 cup onion -- very finely chopped
3 chiles habaneros -- very finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2/3 cup Seville orange juice
Meanwhile, prepare the salsa: mix all ingredients together. Set aside to season
for about 2 hours. Serve in a separate dish.
NOTE:
A rough approximation of Seville orange juice may be attained through the
following: For 1/2 cup blended juice, combine 1 teaspoon finely grated
grapefruit rind, 3 tablespoons orange juice, 3 tablespoons grapefruit juice and
2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Kindness gives birth to kindness.
- Sophocles