Savoring Puerto Rican Tradition: Cooking Pernil Like a Local

Savoring Puerto Rican Tradition: Cooking Pernil Like a Local

Experience the rich flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this authentic recipe for Pernil, a beloved dish that is a staple in many households on the island. Pernil, also known as Puerto Rican roast pork, is a succulent and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the streets of San Juan.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in pork shoulder (approximately 6-8 pounds)
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a paste.
3. Make several deep cuts on the surface of the pork shoulder and rub the garlic paste all over the meat, making sure to get the seasoning into the cuts.
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan and add the orange juice, white vinegar, olive oil, and sliced onion.
5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast the pork in the oven for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
6. Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up and become golden brown.
7. Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Marinate the pork shoulder overnight for even more flavor.
• For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Use the leftover juices from the roasting pan to make a delicious gravy to serve with the Pernil.

Duration:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 8-10 people.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 400 | Fat: 30g | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 5g

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate

Tags:

Puerto Rican, Pork, Roast, Traditional, Gluten-Free

Keywords:

Pernil, Puerto Rican, Roast Pork, Traditional, Authentic, Flavorful, Caribbean, Cooking, Recipe, Oven, Marination, Citrus, Vinegar, Seasoning, Garlic, Cumin, Oregano, Culinary, Cuisine, Local

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Puerto Rico with this classic Pernil recipe that captures the essence of traditional island cooking. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this dish is sure to delight your senses and transport you to the vibrant streets of San Juan. Bon appétit!