Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder
  • Kosher salt
  • 4 dried guajillo chilies or other medium-heat dried red chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or Mexican oregano
  • Pinch ground cinnamon
  • Pinch ground cloves
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 organic or blood oranges, zested and juiced1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken stock or water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 1/4 cups white long-grain rice
  • Kosher salt1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
  • Two 14-ounce cans black beans
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Corn tortillas, for serving
  • Pickled Onions, for serving, recipe follows
  • Cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 red onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 fresh chile pepper, Fresno or jalapeno, sliced

Method

  • For the pork: Place the pork in a Dutch oven with just enough water to cover and sprinkle with salt.
  • Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Place the dried chiles in a small pot with 1 1/2 cups of the pork cooking water and simmer until softened, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a food processor and puree with the honey, marjoram, cinnamon, cloves, some black pepper, garlic, orange zest and juice and onions.
  • Add the puree to the Dutch oven with the pork and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Remove and shred or chop the pork.
  • Continue cooking the sauce until thickened to desired consistency, and then return the pork to the pot.
  • Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
  • For the toppings and sides: Boil the chicken stock with the butter, and then stir in the rice.
  • Sprinkle with salt, if using water.
  • Cover, reduce the heat and cook 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the peas, and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
  • Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, heat the black beans and season with salt, black pepper and cumin.
  • Char the tortillas in a dry skillet.
  • Serve the pork with the sauce and tortillas, for wrapping.
  • Serve the beans in small cups or atop the pork, with the rice, peas and Pickled Onions alongside.
  • Garnish with cilantro leaves.
  • Cook's Note: Cool and cover for a make-ahead meal.
  • Bring to room temperature before reheating over medium heat.
  • Bring the vinegar, salt, sugar and 1 cup water to boil.
  • Place the onions, layered with the coriander, bay leaves and chiles, in a small container, and pour the hot vinegar on top.
  • Allow to cool, then cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 2 days before using.