COCHINITA PIBIL AUTHENTIC YUCATAN

In English, "cochinita pibil" refers to slow-roasted pork, marinated in citrus and annatto, then traditionally cooked underground. The name itself combines Spanish and Mayan languages. 

• Cochinita: Spanish for "little pig," referring to the suckling pig that is traditionally used.
• Pibil: From the Mayan word pib, meaning "buried" or "cooked underground," which describes the traditional cooking method in an earth oven. 

About the dish

• Origin: Cochinita pibil is a traditional Yucatec Mayan dish from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Its history is a fusion of pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures. The Maya originally cooked wild game in a pib, but the recipe was adapted to use pork after the Spanish introduced the animal in the 16th century.
• Preparation: The meat (most often pork shoulder in modern kitchens) is marinated in a highly acidic mixture of bitter orange juice and annatto seed paste, called recado rojo. This marinade gives the pork its distinctive, vibrant orange color and earthy flavor.
• Cooking: The pork is wrapped in banana leaves before being cooked slowly. While the traditional method involves roasting it in an underground pit, many modern recipes use an oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.
• Serving: The incredibly tender, shredded pork is typically served with corn tortillas, pickled red onions, refried black beans, and fiery habanero chilies.

Cochinita Pibil tacos is a traditional Mexican dish from the Yucatan region. Its origin dates back to the culinary practices of the Mayan civilization, which inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. 

This dish has been passed down through generations and has endured as an integral part of the gastronomic culture of the region.

The word “pibil” comes from the Mayan language and means “buried”, referring to the cooking method used to prepare Cochinita Pibil. 

In its traditional form, the pork is marinated with achiote and other seasonings, then wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked buried in a subway oven. This cooking method gives the meat a distinctive, juicy flavor.

Cochinita Pibil has become an emblematic dish of Yucatecan cuisine and has gained popularity throughout Mexico and other parts of the world. The combination of intense flavors, achiote and slow cooking contribute to its uniqueness and make it a culinary delight appreciated both locally and internationally.

Artisanal Made in Merida, Yucatan.