Pork Con Tiki: A Polynesian Paradise on Your Plate

Ingredients:

• 1 pork shoulder (4-5 pounds)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Say Aloha to the Pork: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and place it in a large roasting pan.

2. Meet the Veggies: In a separate bowl, combine the onion, garlic, tomato sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a flavorful marinade.

3. Unite the Ingredients: Pour the marinade over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to get acquainted.

4. Introducing the Oven: Remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. This helps the pork cook more evenly. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

5. Unveil the Pork Paradise: Bake the pork in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last hour of baking to allow the pork to crisp up and achieve a golden-brown hue.

6. Shredding for Paradise: Once the pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the roasting pan.

7. Sauce it Up: Bring the remaining marinade to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Pour the sauce over the shredded pork and stir to combine.

8. Serve with Aloha: Serve the pork con tiki with your favorite sides, such as rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an authentic Polynesian touch.

Tables:

Table 1: Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Table 2: Cost Breakdown

Table 3: Cooking Time

Tips and Tricks:

• Choose the Right Pork: A pork shoulder is the ideal cut for pork con tiki because it's juicy and flavorful. Don't substitute it with other cuts of pork.
• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Slow-cooking the pork allows the fibers to break down and become tender. Avoid rushing the process.
• Don't Overcook: Overcooked pork becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Shred with Love: Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors.
• Make it a Party: Pork con tiki is a perfect dish to serve for a gathering. It's easy to prepare ahead of time and can feed a crowd.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Flavorful and Juicy: Pork con tiki is a delectable dish with a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Versatile: It can be served with a variety of sides to suit different tastes.
• Economical: It's a relatively inexpensive meal to prepare, especially if you buy the ingredients in bulk.
• Easy to Prepare: While it takes time to cook, pork con tiki is a simple dish to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: The slow-cooking process can take several hours.
• Not Ideal for Small Servings: Pork shoulder is a large cut of meat, so it's not suitable for small gatherings or individuals.
• May Be High in Fat: Pork shoulder contains a moderate amount of fat, so it may not be suitable for people on a low-fat diet.

FAQs:

1. What sides go well with pork con tiki?
   - Rice, potatoes, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, and cornbread are all delicious side options.

2. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
   - Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for the pork shoulder. However, the flavor will be slightly different.

3. Can I make pork con tiki in a slow cooker?
   - Yes, you can cook pork con tiki in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. How do I store leftover pork con tiki?
   - Store leftover pork con tiki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I freeze pork con tiki?
   - Yes, you can freeze pork con tiki in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

6. What is the history behind pork con tiki?
   - Pork con tiki is a Polynesian-inspired dish that was popularized in the United States in the 1950s. It is believed to have originated from a dish called "Kalua Pig," which was cooked in an underground oven in ancient Hawaii.