Category: Mexican

2 lb Pork butt with fat, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes

2 cup Water

3 tbsp Chile caribe

1 1/2 tbsp Kosher salt

4 Cloves garlic, roasted and chopped

1/3 cup Chopped onion

2 Cloves

1 tsp Fennel seed

2 tsp Cumin seed

1 Stick cinnamon

1 tbsp Dried Mexican oregano

Put pork, water, chile, salt, garlic and onion in a heavy saucepan and bring to a low simmer. Roast spices and oregano in a dry saute pan over medium heat until fragrant.

In a spice mill, grind spices and oregano to a powder. Add the pork and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 hours until tender, adding more water as needed. Increase heat and cook until all liquid has evaporated. Reduce heat slightly and continue to cook, stirring until the cubes of meat are a mahogany brown. Let cool.

Note: Pork is the most traditional filling for tamales in Central Mexico. Pork has more natural moisture than beef and so makes a good filling for tamales. This recipe provides a useful means of using up ends of loins or other cuts of pork not used for entrees. The flavors of tropical fruit and pork go particularly well together, which is why the Manchamantel sauce is the perfect accompaniment for this tamale.