Best 2 Mark Bittmans Pernil Recipes

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Craving for a flavorful and succulent pork dish? Look no further than Pernil, a traditional Puerto Rican roasted pork shoulder that promises an explosion of taste in every bite. This savory dish is typically marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that falls off the bone. While there's a classic Pernil recipe, variations from different regions introduce unique flavors and techniques.

Our collection of Pernil recipes offers a culinary journey through the diverse world of this beloved dish. From the classic Puerto Rican Pernil with its vibrant marinade to the Cuban Pernil infused with mojo sauce, each recipe brings its own distinct character to the table. Explore the secrets of slow-cooked Pernil al Horno, where the pork shoulder is roasted to perfection in a traditional oven, or discover the convenience of Pernil en Olla, prepared in a pressure cooker for a time-saving yet equally delicious meal.

Whether you prefer the crispy skin and tender meat of Pernil Asado, grilled over an open flame, or the rich and flavorful Pernil Guisado, simmered in a savory sauce, our recipes cater to various tastes and preferences. Indulge in the smoky goodness of Pernil Ahumado, infused with the essence of wood smoke, or savor the tangy delight of Pernil al Pastor, marinated in achiote paste and pineapple.

Our Pernil recipes are not just about taste; they're about creating a culinary experience that transports you to the heart of Puerto Rican and Latin American culture. With step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and a dash of history, these recipes are designed to guide you through the process of preparing this delectable dish. So, gather your ingredients, choose your favorite Pernil recipe, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MARK BITTMAN'S PERNIL (CUBAN ROAST PORK)



Mark Bittman's Pernil (Cuban Roast Pork) image

Unconventional in some of the additions, but delicious. Cooking time is approximate as it depends on the size of your roast.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Ham

Time 5h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (4 -7 lb) pork shoulder (or use fresh ham)
4 garlic cloves, peeled (you can use more garlic, this is the minimum)
1 large onion, quartered
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried ancho chile powder or 1 teaspoon other mild chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
olive oil, as needed
1 tablespoon wine or 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
lime wedge, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 300 degrees. Score meat's skin with a sharp knife, making a cross-hatch pattern. Pulse garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, chili, salt and pepper together in a food processor, adding oil in a drizzle and scraping down sides as necessary, until mixture is pasty. (Alternatively, mash ingredients in a mortar and pestle.) Blend in the vinegar.
  • Rub this mixture well into pork, getting it into every nook and cranny. Put pork in a roasting pan and film bottom with water. Roast pork for several hours (a 4-pound shoulder may be done in 3 hours), turning every hour or so and adding more water as necessary, until meat is very tender. Finish roasting with the skin side up until crisp, raising heat at end of cooking if necessary.
  • Let meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting it up; meat should be so tender that cutting it into uniform slices is almost impossible; rather, whack it up into chunks. Serve with lime.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 736.5, Fat 54.8, SaturatedFat 18.9, Cholesterol 214.7, Sodium 1370.1, Carbohydrate 4.5, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 52.7

PERNIL



Pernil image

This classic Puerto Rican recipe for roast pork makes a festive centerpiece for a Memorial Day feast, a delicious welcome to summer. If you buy a big pork shoulder and take your time, as you should, the classic Puerto Rican pork roast called pernil can take you nearly all day. Yet there are times I feel almost guilty about this dish because the process is beyond easy and incredibly impressive, it feeds as many people as a medium-size ham, and the flavor is unbelievable. When I first learned how to make a classic pernil, about 30 years ago, the only seasonings I used were oregano, garlic and vinegar. But I've taken some liberties by adding a little cumin and some chiles. The onion is my addition, too. After all, pork is less flavorful than it used to be.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, roasts, main course

Time 3h

Yield At least 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pork shoulder, 4 to 7 pounds (or use fresh ham)
4 or more cloves garlic, peeled
1 large onion, quartered
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ancho or other mild chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil as needed
1 tablespoon wine or cider vinegar
Lime wedges for serving

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 300 degrees. Score meat's skin with a sharp knife, making a cross-hatch pattern. Pulse garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, chili, salt and pepper together in a food processor, adding oil in a drizzle and scraping down sides as necessary, until mixture is pasty. (Alternatively, mash ingredients in a mortar and pestle.) Blend in the vinegar.
  • Rub this mixture well into pork, getting it into every nook and cranny. Put pork in a roasting pan and film bottom with water. Roast pork for several hours (a 4-pound shoulder may be done in 3 hours), turning every hour or so and adding more water as necessary, until meat is very tender. Finish roasting with the skin side up until crisp, raising heat at end of cooking if necessary.
  • Let meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting it up; meat should be so tender that cutting it into uniform slices is almost impossible; rather, whack it up into chunks. Serve with lime.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 816, UnsaturatedFat 36 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 63 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 54 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Sodium 1060 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

Tips:

  • To select a good pernil, look for a pork shoulder that is well-marinated and has a good amount of fat. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
  • If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can also cook the pernil in a large roasting pan. Just be sure to cover the pan tightly with foil to keep the meat moist.
  • The cooking time for pernil will vary depending on the size of the meat. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To make the mojo sauce, simply whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl. You can also add a bit of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for extra flavor.
  • Serve the pernil with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or plantains. You can also add a dollop of mojo sauce to each serving.

Conclusion:

No matter how you choose to cook it, pernil is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a special meal to make, give pernil a try. You won't be disappointed.

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