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You guys remember these sweet coconut balls from last Friday?
And do you remember how I said that I was researching some Cuban food?? While here it is, and I could not be more pumped to share it with you guys! For starters, Cuban food is where it’s at. Citrus, lime cilantro, rice, pork, plantains, beans, PINEAPPLE?!? Yes, all my favorites.
You should have seen me trying to narrow down exactly what I wanted to make. Tacos, sandwiches, fajitas, soup, burgers, etc. I think I text my mom like ten different options, but in the end I decided to combine some of my ideas and make my version of a Cuban Special.
Ohh this recipe, I LOVE this recipe! I know, I say this a lot, but I REALLY love this recipe. This is so completely lame, but this is like soul food. It just makes you all happy inside, and like I said, the flavors are killer.
Ok, and any plate with a giant pile of pork, rice, beans and plantains (FRIES) is obviously going to be high on my list.
So I feel like I should start with the inspiration for this post. Whenever Easter rolls around I always think of Florida, and when I link of south Florida, I think of Cuban food. I mean, hello, have you ever had a Cuban Sandwich in Miami?! It’s everything… just saying.
Anyway, it’s a bit early for my Cuba cravings to be kicking in, but with Easter being in March, that’s how things are going down. And also why today we get to chat about this deliciousness!
For the recipe, I went pretty dang traditional. Cuban flavors are spot on, so for the most part I really don’t want to mess with them. The pork gets marinated in a mojo sauce, which is basically a whole bunch of orange juice, lime juice, spices and olive oil. This recipe is REALLY simple, but it takes time to prepare because marinating the pork and then slow roasting it (or slow cooking it in the crockpot) really are a must. So for this recipe, you’ll need to plan ahead!
Okay, so that’s the pork. It’s juicy, tender and perfect.
Let’s talk about the rest of the meal though. It’s no secret that I really love to send you guys off with a FULL meal. Yep, I’m talking the works and that’s what this Cuban special is. Mojo sauce for serving, rice and black beans, plantain “fries” caramelized in coconut oil and brown sugar (can’t decide if this is a dessert or not, but I went with savory…clearly), and all the pineapple you can eat. 🙂 Oh, and I can’t forget the avocados!
YUM, right?!? Â What more could you ask for?
Oh wait, I guess maybe a mojito. YESS. definitely a mojito. Virgin or not so much, whatever works for you.
Oh and real fast, I just wanted to thank you for all your “where to go in Chicago” suggestions. As it turned out, we had barely any time to just hit up fun spots, but we did make it to the Magnificent Mile. And as I write this post I am still here enjoying the windy city (not really that windy, the weather has been pretty chill so far), planning how on earth I am going to fit in yet another churro before I hop on a plane home this afternoon.
Umm, wait, NEW PLAN: Mojitos for drinks, Cuban Mojo Pork Special for dinner and all the churros I can cram in my suitcase for dessert. I think my Monday game is pretty on point today, wouldn’t you say??
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
The most special of all “specials” right there. I’ll take that times two please!
P.S. I really wasn’t joking about those Churros…or the mojitos. 🙂
Food looks great.
Did you make it to that store that everyone one was saying is a must to visit.
Thank you!! Sadly, I did not. It was quick trip. 🙂
Thanks!!
Everything you make is incredible, including this!
Thanks so much Matt!
This looks killer! In the picture of the marinating pork, I see what appears to be red peppers. Just wondering because I don’t see anything that would match in the ingredient list. Thanks!
My #1 craving would have to be Indian food! I love the flavors and spices that you get in every dish! Cuban food looks so so good–I love the brown sugar plantain fries so much!
Ahh they are so delicious!!
Well now I know what I’m making this weekend! Looks incredible!! And FYI, I always thought Chicago was the Windy City because of the weather too, but my Chi-Town born and bred hubby told it it got that name because of the politicians. And yay mojitos!
Hope you love it!! Thanks Melissa
I LOVE Cuban food! This looks so delicious!
Oooh this look so delicious!!
THANKS!!!
Seriously, this looks beyond. Definitely making this week!! xox
Hope you love it Rebecca !!
This looks seriously incredible. SO GOOD.
ELLIE! So happy you liked it!!
This looks stunning!!!!! Those fried brown sugar plantains ?
Thank you!! Glad you liked it!
I’m all for soul food, grab me a plate and let’s EAT! I mean come on…. Look at how dreamy it all looks! I can’t even stop starring it’s so good!
Thank you so much Taylor!!
I love the idea of the charred, spiced pork with the citrus and pineapple combo. Definitely soul food!
Me too!! I hope you enjoyed!!:)
This sounds soo delicious! I’ve been wanting to make plantain fries for a while now, might have to try your recipe! and that pork, ohhh it looks divine!
I hope you do..or did! I also hope you love it! Thank you!
I completely agree with the churros and mojitos! I’m all in!
I can’t stop saying this, your photography is just incredible gets better and better 🙂
Yup Yup. Love Cuban food. Cuban food is yummy yum yum in my tummy tum tum.
Thanks Tom! Hop it was Yummy yum yum!!
Thank you so much!! Its really hard!! but fun!
I can totally understand why this would be near the top of your list, it looks amazing! I don’t think it’s possible to be too early for Cuban cravings either. I say bring it, Girl! YUM!
Ah!! Thank you !! Hope you love it if you get a chance to make! 🙂