Cochinita Pibil

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons achiote recado paste (See Cook's Note)
• 2 large banana leaves 
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1  juice of orange sour juiced
• 12 servings serving suggestions: pickled onions red
• 1 pinch mexican oregano dried
• 3 pounds pork butt 
• 12 servings salt and pepper freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon citrus champagne vinegar 

Equipment

• frying pan
• oven
• mixing bowl
• roasting pan
• aluminum foil

Directions

1. Watch how to make this recipe.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Trim the excess fat from the pork.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the achiote paste, vinegar, oregano, orange juice, and garlic.
4. Mix well.
5. Trim the center core from the banana leaves and run them under hot tap water until the leaves become soft and pliable.
6. Remove the excess water from the leaves and lay them, long edges slightly overlapping, onto the countertop.
7. Place the roast in a large mixing bowl and add a generous amount of salt and pepper.
8. Add the achiote mixture and cover the roast with the mixture.
9. Place the roast on the banana leaves and wrap it well, completely covering the surface of the roast.
10. Place the roast on a rack inside a roasting pan.
11. Add 2 cups water to the bottom of the pan, tent with foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes.
12. Reduce the heat to 275 degrees F and roast for 6 hours.
13. Serve with pickled red onions, warm corn tortillas and salsa.