Honduran Pork in Green Mango and Cilantro Sauce with Black Bean Patties

Instructions

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   1. In a bowl, combine the pork with 1/3 of the onion, half of the garlic, 40 ml (2 tbsp + 2 tsp) sour orange juice, 1/2 tsp cumin, the annatto, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

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   2. Meanwhile, make the patty mixture. Mash the black beans in a bowl until rustic but workable. Add the pre-cooked corn flour, egg, 1/3 of the tomato, 1/3 of the red bell pepper, 1/3 of the onion, 1 tbsp chopped culantro, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well and shape into 8 small patties.

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   3. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and brown the pork in batches for 5 to 7 minutes, turning to sear all sides. Remove and set aside.

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   4. In the same skillet, add another 1/2 tbsp oil if needed. Sauté the remaining onion, remaining garlic, and remaining bell pepper for 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining tomato and oregano; cook for 4 minutes until the tomato softens.

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   5. Add the chopped green mango and cook 2 minutes more. Pour in the chicken broth or water and the remaining sour orange juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Then carefully blend until semi-smooth, or mash with a spoon for a more rustic texture.

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   6. Return the sauce to the skillet, add the browned pork with its juices, and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, partially covered, until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir in most of the culantro at the end.

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   7. For the patties, heat another skillet over medium heat and add the remaining oil. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and firm. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, place them on a lightly oiled tray and bake at 400°F / 200°C for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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   8. Serve the pork hot with plenty of green mango and culantro sauce, alongside the black bean patties. Garnish with the remaining culantro and, if desired, an extra spoonful of fresh tomato on top.