Masitas de Cerdo

Very similar to carnitas, these little chunks of pork, marinated in citrus, herbs and garlic, are traditionally made with pork shoulder and fried. This version uses more readily-available and leaner pork loin. Serve with rice, black beans, chopped onion, chopped fresh cilantro, salsa and warmed tortillas.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup sour orange juice (or use 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/4 cup lime juice)
1/4 cup olive oil

Cooking Directions:

1. Place pork cubes in a self-sealing plastic bag; mix together remaining ingredients and pour over pork cubes; seal bag and refrigerate overnight.
2. Remove pork from marinade, discarding marinade, and place pork cubes in a shallow baking pan.
3. Roast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until pork is tender. Remove to serving platter and serve hot.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories 174 calories Protein 24 grams Fat 7 grams Sodium 416 milligrams Cholesterol 66 milligrams.

Recipe provided courtesy of National Pork Board.