Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with pork shoulder that is slow cooked and roasted to perfection. It is usually served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, beans, plantains, and vegetables. When it comes to side dishes, the possibilities are endless and can be tailored to your own tastes. Here are some delicious Pernil side dishes that will make your next meal extraordinary!
Rice and Beans
Rice and beans is a classic side dish for Pernil. The combination of white rice and red beans is a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, and goes perfectly with the flavors of roasted pork. For a heartier side dish, you can add in some diced bell peppers, onions and garlic, and cook the beans in a flavorful sofrito. Serve the rice and beans with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Tostones
Tostones, or fried plantains, are a popular side dish for Pernil. Plantains are a starchy fruit that is similar in texture to a potato, and when thinly sliced and fried, they make for a delicious side dish. To make tostones, peel and cut the plantains into thin slices. Heat a pan of oil over medium-high heat, and then fry the plantains until they are golden brown. Serve the tostones with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra flavor boost.
Platanos Maduros
Platanos maduros, or sweet plantains, are a staple of Latin cuisine. This side dish is incredibly easy to make and goes perfectly with the flavors of Pernil. To make platanos maduros, peel and slice the plantains into thin slices. Heat a pan of oil over medium-high heat and then fry the plantains until they are golden brown. Remove the plantains from the pan and let them cool. Once cooled, serve the platanos maduros with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet and flavorful side dish.
Arepas
Arepas are a popular Venezuelan side dish that can be served with Pernil. Arepas are made from a cornmeal dough that is formed into small patties and then fried or grilled. To make arepas, mix together the cornmeal, salt, and water in a bowl to form a dough. Once the dough is formed, shape it into small patties and fry or grill them until they are golden brown. Serve the arepas with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious side dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes perfectly with Pernil. To make mashed potatoes, peel and cube the potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher. Add in some butter, cream, and garlic powder to give the potatoes a creamy and flavorful texture. Serve the mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delicious side dish.
Fried Yuca
Fried yuca is a delicious side dish that goes perfectly with Pernil. Yuca is a root vegetable that is similar in texture to a potato. To make fried yuca, peel and cube the yuca. Heat a pan of oil over medium-high heat and then fry the yuca until it is golden brown. Serve the fried yuca with a sprinkle of salt for a flavorful side dish.
Sofrito
Sofrito is a flavorful tomato-based sauce that is commonly used in Puerto Rican cuisine. To make sofrito, sauté the diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a pan with some olive oil. Once the vegetables are softened, add in some cilantro and oregano and cook for a few minutes more. Serve the sofrito as a condiment for the Pernil and other side dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pernil?
Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with pork shoulder that is slow cooked and roasted to perfection. It is usually served with a variety of side dishes.
What are some side dishes that go with Pernil?
Some popular side dishes for Pernil include rice and beans, tostones, platanos maduros, arepas, mashed potatoes, and fried yuca.
What is Sofrito?
Sofrito is a flavorful tomato-based sauce that is commonly used in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made by sautéing onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a pan with some olive oil, and then adding cilantro and oregano.
How do you make Tostones?
To make tostones, peel and cut the plantains into thin slices. Heat a pan of oil over medium-high heat, and then fry the plantains until they are golden brown. Serve the tostones with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra flavor boost.
How do you make Platanos Maduros?
To make platanos maduros, peel and slice the plantains into thin slices. Heat a pan of oil over medium-high heat and then fry the plantains until they are golden brown. Remove the plantains from the pan and let them cool. Once cooled, serve the platanos maduros with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet and flavorful side dish.
