Discover Puerto Rico's rich flavors with this traditional Pernil recipe.Slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in garlic and adobo sauce,perfect for any occasion.

Learn how to make this iconic Puerto Rican dish and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

Here's a recipe for Pernil, the slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in garlic and adobo sauce, a traditional dish from Puerto Rico:

Ingredients:

  - 4-5 lb pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt)

  - 8-10 garlic cloves, peeled

  - 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  - 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  - 1 tablespoon paprika

  - 1 tablespoon salt

  - 1 teaspoon black pepper

  - 1/4 cup olive oil

  - 1/4 cup white vinegar

  - 1/4 cup orange juice

  - 1/4 cup lime juice

  - 2-3 bay leaves

  - 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1- Prepare the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.

2- Marinate the pork: Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it's evenly coated. Add bay leaves. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).

4- Roast the pork: Remove the pork from the marinade and place it in a roasting pan. Add the water to the marinade and pour it into the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil.

5- Slow roast: Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Every hour or so, baste the pork with the pan juices.

6- Finish cooking: Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Roast for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

7- Rest and serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like rice and beans, tostones, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your delicious Puerto Rican Pernil!

Nutritional Values :

Here's the approximate nutritional information based on standard values for each ingredient:

Pork shoulder (4-5 lb)

  - Calories: 3200 kcal (for 5 lb)

  - Protein: 320 g

  - Fat: 240 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Protein: High-quality protein source for muscle repair and growth.

  - B Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and brain health.

  - Minerals: Contains important minerals like zinc and selenium, which support immune function and antioxidant defenses.

Garlic (8-10 cloves)

  - Calories: 40 kcal

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 9 g

Benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Contains compounds like allicin that have antioxidant properties.

  - Heart Health: May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

  - Immune Support: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can boost the immune system.

Dried oregano (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2 g

  - Fat: 0.3 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4 g

Benefits:

  - Antioxidants: High in antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.

Ground cumin (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 22 kcal

  - Protein: 1.1 g

  - Fat: 1.3 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2.7 g

Benefits:

  - Digestive Aid: May help improve digestion and reduce bloating.

  - Iron: Good source of iron, which is important for blood health.

Paprika (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 20 kcal

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 1 g

  - Carbohydrates: 4 g

Benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Sodium: 7020 mg

Benefits:

  - Electrolyte Balance: Sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function.

  - Nerve Function: Important for nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

Black pepper (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in Antioxidants: Black pepper is high in piperine, an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage.

  - Digestive Health: It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, improving digestion and alleviating bloating and gas.

  - Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Piperine in black pepper increases the bioavailability of nutrients like vitamins and minerals, making them easier for the body to absorb.

  - Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Black pepper can help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for managing conditions like arthritis.

Olive oil (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 480 kcal

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 54 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Contains oleic acid and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects.

White vinegar (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 12 kcal

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.1 g

Benefits:

  - Blood Sugar Control: White vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels after meals.

  - Weight Management: The acetic acid in vinegar can promote satiety, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.

  - Antimicrobial Properties: White vinegar is effective in killing harmful bacteria and can be used as a natural disinfectant.

  - Digestive Aid: White vinegar can improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux.

Orange juice (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 30 kcal

  - Protein: 0.5 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

  - Carbohydrates: 7 g

Benefits:

  - Vitamin C: High in vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, skin health, and iron absorption.

  - Antioxidants: Help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Lime juice (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 14 kcal

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

  - Carbohydrates: 5 g

Benefits:

  - Vitamin C: High in vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, skin health, and iron absorption.

  - Antioxidants: Help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)

  - Calories: 2 kcal

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4 g

Benefits:

  - Digestive Health: Bay leaves stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.

  - Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The compounds in bay leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain.

  - Heart Health: Bay leaves contain compounds that may improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

  - Antioxidant Properties: Bay leaves are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Water (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Hydration: Water is essential for maintaining hydration, which supports all bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.

  - Nutrient Transportation: Water helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body, ensuring they function properly.

  - Detoxification: Water aids in flushing out toxins from the body through urine and sweat, promoting overall health.

  - Joint Health: Water helps lubricate joints, reducing friction and pain, and maintaining joint flexibility.

Total Nutritional Values:

  - Calories: 3832 kcal

  - Protein: 323.1 g

  - Fat: 296.6 g

  - Carbohydrates: 30.6 g

  - Sodium: 7020 mg (from salt)

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and cuts of ingredients used. The recipe is intended to serve multiple people, so dividing these totals by the number of servings will give you the per-serving nutritional values.