Guatemalan Subanik with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cubed 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice (for serving) Cooked white rice (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Stir in the chipotle pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Pour in the pineapple juice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have developed.
5. 5.
   Serve the Subanik over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder as it will become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less or omit it entirely.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the Subanik before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Subanik with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or pickled vegetables make great accompaniments to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Subanik with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through.