Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean cuisines. Masitas de puerco is a typical Cuban dish. The results are a unique, interesting and flavorful blend of the different cultural influences. During colonial times, Cuba was an important port for trade, and many Spaniards who lived there brought their culinary traditions along with them.
This is a favorite dish to order at a Cuban restaurant. This week my cooking adventures have taken my efforts to reproduce this fabulous dish at home. Traditionally the pork chunks are deep fried in oil. This dish is full of flavor, and of course, easy! Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time 45 minutes. Cumin is one of my favorite spices. If you like cumin you will like this recipe, as it has great flavor.
This dish is great as an appetizer or even as a main course served with rice, black beans and plantains. Add some salsa and warmed tortillas and you have a complete meal. Give this delicious revision for the classic dish a try real soon and it will become a high rotation meal at your house.
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Happy Cooking and Eating!
Ingredients
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- 2-1/2 lbs fresh pork loin (trim excess fat) cut into 1″ cubes
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1/2 cup sour orange juice (or 1/4 cup unsweetened orange juice & 1/4 cup lime juice)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 fresh onion sliced into rings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 lime, cut in wedges
Preparation
Cut pork into 1 1/2 inch cubes inch chunks. To prepare marinade: mix together garlic, chopped onion, orange juice, ½ cup olive oil, oregano, cumin and salt. Pour over pork chunks and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Remove meat from marinade and place in pot with 2 cups of lightly salted water and ½ cup olive oil. Simmer, uncovered until all water boils away, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Brown pork in oil until crispy on the outside. Do not overcook. Add onion slices and sauté briefly. Garnish with lime wedges (optional). Serves: 6-8 servings.
