Welcome to the culinary delights of Belize, where the rich cultural tapestry is interwoven with vibrant flavors and traditional recipes. One such culinary masterpiece is the beloved Cochinita Pibil, a dish that encapsulates the essence of Mayan cuisine with its bold spices, tender meat, and smoky aroma. Originating from the Yucatán Peninsula but embraced wholeheartedly in Belize, Cochinita Pibil is a celebration of slow-cooked perfection, ensuring a symphony of taste with every bite. In this recipe, we will embark on a gastronomic journey, uncovering the secrets to recreate this mouthwatering delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen. Prepare to awaken your senses and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Belize as we delve into the art of crafting the perfect Cochinita Pibil.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 cup achiote paste
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Banana leaves (for wrapping and serving, optional)
• Red onion, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1-In a large bowl, combine the achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2-Place the pork cubes in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Prepare Banana Leaves (if using):If you have banana leaves, briefly pass them over an open flame to make them pliable. This step helps release their natural flavors. Cut the leaves into large rectangles.

Assemble the Cochinita Pibil:Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil or a banana leaf (if using) and place a portion of the marinated pork in the center. Fold the foil or banana leaf to encase the pork securely.

Slow Roasting:Place the wrapped pork in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Repeat the process for the remaining pork. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Serve:Once cooked, carefully unwrap the Cochinita Pibil. Serve the succulent pork on a platter, garnished with thinly sliced red onion and chopped cilantro if desired.

Enjoy:Dive into the rich flavors of Belizean cuisine as you savor the tender, citrus-infused Cochinita Pibil. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dishes.

This Belize Cochinita Pibil recipe promises a culinary journey that captures the essence of Belizean traditions and the vibrant flavors of the Yucatán Peninsula. ¡Buen provecho!

Nutritional values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. Here are approximate values for the listed ingredients per serving (assuming 6 servings):

Pork Shoulder (3 pounds, cooked):

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 68g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Good source of B vitamins, including B12 and niacin, important for energy metabolism.
• Provides zinc, iron, and selenium for immune support.

Achiote Paste (1 cup):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugars: 4g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress.
• Achiote is linked to anti-inflammatory properties.
• May have antimicrobial and antibacterial effects.

Orange Juice (1 cup):

• Calories: 112
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 21g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and skin health.
• Provides potassium, important for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
• Contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage.

Lime Juice (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, aiding in immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
• Adds a refreshing citrus flavor to dishes.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugars: 0.2g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, known for its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Ground Cumin (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.9g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugars: 0.1g

benefits:

• Source of iron, aiding in the formation of red blood cells.
• Contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that may help fight inflammation.
• Contains compounds with potential antimicrobial properties.
• Adds flavor while contributing potential health benefits.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may enhance the absorption of certain nutrients.
• Acts as an antioxidant and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.
• Provides sodium, important for nerve function and muscle contraction.

Banana Leaves (for wrapping and serving, optional):

• Negligible caloric contribution as they are mainly used for wrapping.

benefits:

• Traditional method for wrapping and cooking, adding a subtle flavor.
• May impart additional antioxidants.
• Enhances presentation and aroma.

Red Onion (thinly sliced, for garnish, optional):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2.9g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugars: 1.4g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin.
• Contains prebiotics that may support gut health.
• Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish, optional):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a fresh and bright flavor to the dish.
• May contribute to overall digestive health.

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional content of optional ingredients (like banana leaves, red onion, and cilantro) is minimal and may be negligible per serving.