| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 25g | 7g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 3g | 40g | 1g |
When I first tasted the hearty aroma and tangy-sweet fusion of pork in annatto seed sauce, it sparked an electric current of passions that had been simmering deep within my culinary heart. This fruit-based recipe, with its lively tapestry of fresh flavors coupled with the succulent punch of pork loin, made me fall in love with the kitchen all over again. Here’s why I hold this particular dish in such high esteem.
Freshly Invigorating Ingredients
Every mouthful of pork in annatto seed sauce holds a diverse wealth of refreshing and comforting flavors. The base of tender pork loin, marinated in a concoction of the umami-rich chicken broth, orange juice, and zesty lime is an explosion of taste, made only more intriguing by the dash of apple cider vinegar and the sweetness of the honey.
Our star player, the annatto seeds, stand impressively with their uniquely earthy flavor, that when combined with the traditional mirepoix of onions, garlic, and bell peppers, becomes the foundation of this exotic dish. Just a mention cannot do justice to the melody of flavors this unique dish incorporates.
And how could I forget the refreshing burst of fruits? A slice of apple, orange, or pineapple, as per your choice, will crown the lavish display of this recipe. Their fruity tanginess beautifully cuts through the rich flavors, incredibly enhancing the overall experience. Annatto seeds, besides lending a vibrant hue, also brings in a world of health benefits, improving digestion and bone health, contributing immensely to this being one of my most-admired dishes.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The magic of the Pork in Annatto Seed Sauce lies not only in its tantalizing flavors but also in how it charmingly mirrors my Italian-American upbringing. Although a stretch from my classic spaghetti and meatballs, it holds the same magic and brings the same warmth to my dinner table.
The tie may not be obvious, but I link the comfort of this hearty feast to my family traditions. It reminds me of my grandfather’s kitchen, where love poured into every dish he cooked, much like the annatto seeds in this recipe that infuse the dish with warm red tones resembling his affection.
Pair it up with a glass of red wine or simply serve it with some warm, crusty bread or even a light salad, and you have a whole meal ready to serve. Curious minds might also find similarities in the flavors of this recipe to the beloved family dish, Cuban Pork Roast. Indeed, this Pork in Annatto Seed Sauce fits perfectly in all popular and homely menus alike.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs pork loin, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons annatto seeds
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 fruit of your choice for garnish (apple, orange, or pineapple), sliced
Method
Step One
Begin with the pork loin and cut it into pieces. Set aside once done.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the annatto seeds and cook them until they release their color. The annatto seeds should turn the oil a deep orange. This should normally take about 2-3 minutes.
Step Three
Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the pan. Cook these until they are soft, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
Add the pork loin pieces to the pan. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the pork loin is lightly browned on all sides.
Step Five
Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar into the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boiling point.
Step Six
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover it and cook for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
Step Seven
Add the diced tomato, honey, and cilantro. Mix well and let the sauce cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Step Eight
Before serving, garnish the dish with slices of your chosen fruit. The sweet and tangy flavor of the fruit will contrast nicely with the rich, savory pork and annatto seed sauce.
Step Nine
Serve the Pork in Annatto Seed Sauce hot, preferably with a side of cooked rice or warm tortillas. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
