What to Serve with Pernil: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Pork Roast

Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish usually served on holidays or special occasions. It is a slow-roasted pork shoulder that is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. While Pernil is delicious on its own, it is even better when served with the right side dishes.

Choosing the right accompaniments can make all the difference when serving pernil. The right sides can complement the flavors of the pork, add texture, and provide balance to the meal. In this article, we will explore some of the best sides to serve with Pernil, from vegetables to starchy sides to salads and sauces. Whether you’re serving Pernil for a special occasion or just because, these side dishes are sure to take your meal to the next level.

What is Pernil?

Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that dates back to the island’s indigenous Taíno people. It is a slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, which can vary depending on the recipe and region of Puerto Rico. Some common ingredients in pernil marinades are garlic, oregano, cumin, and bitter orange juice.

After marinating for several hours or overnight, the pork shoulder is slow roasted for several hours until it is tender and falls apart easily. The result is a flavorful and succulent meat that is perfect for serving as the main course at a special occasion or holiday meal.

Pernil is a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine and is often served with traditional sides such as rice and beans, tostones (fried plantains), and yucca. However, it can also be served with a variety of other sides to complement its rich and savory flavors.

Choosing the Right Garnishes

When it comes to serving Pernil, choosing the right side dishes can make all the difference. The ideal side dishes complement the rich, savory flavors of pork while providing a contrast in texture and taste. Here are some tips for choosing the right sides to serve with Pernil:

1. Think about balance: Pernil is a rich, flavorful meat, so it pairs well with sides that are fresh and light. Consider serving a salad or vegetable side dish to contrast the rich pork.

2. Consider texture: Pernil has a tender, fall-apart texture, so it pairs well with sides that have a bit of crunch or chewiness. Consider serving roasted or grilled vegetables, crispy fried plantains, or a starchy side like rice or potatoes.

3. Think about acidity: Pernil is often marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, so it pairs well with sides that have a bit of acidity. Consider serving a side of pickled vegetables or a tart sauce to complement the flavors of the pork.

4. Don’t forget the seasoning: Pernil can have a bit of heat from the spices in the marinade, so consider serving sides that have a bit of spice as well. A side of salsa or spicy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the rich pork.

By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect sides to serve with your Pernil and take your meal to the next level. In the next sections, we will explore some specific side dish ideas to serve with Pernil.

Vegetables that go well with Pernil

Serving a side of vegetables with Pernil is a great way to balance the rich, savory flavors of the pork. Here are some vegetables that pair well with Pernil:

1. Roasted root vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes pair well with the rich flavors of Pernil. The sweetness of the vegetables helps balance the savory pork.

2. Grilled or roasted peppers: Grilled or roasted bell peppers or poblano peppers add a bit of smokiness and sweetness that pairs well with Pernil.

3. Cabbage slaw: A simple cabbage slaw with a little vinegar and honey provides a nice contrast to the rich pork and can help cut through the fat.

4. Grilled corn: Grilled corn on the cob with a little lime and chili powder adds a bit of sweetness and spice that pairs well with the flavors of Pernil.

5. Sautéed Greens: Sauteed greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens provide a fresh, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the rich pork.

By serving a side of vegetables with your Pernil, you can provide balance to the meal and ensure that everyone gets their daily dose of vegetables. Plus, many vegetables work well with the flavors of Pernil, so you can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.

Starch side dishes for Pernil

Starchy side dishes are a great way to complement the rich, savory flavors of Pernil. Here are some starchy side dishes that pair well with this traditional Puerto Rican dish:

1. Rice and beans: This classic Puerto Rican side dish is a perfect complement to Pernil. The rice and beans provide a nice balance of starch and protein, and the flavors of the dish pair well with the rich pork.

2. Fried plantains: Tostones (twice-fried green plantains) or maduros (ripe sweet plantains) are a classic accompaniment to pernil. The sweetness of the plantains contrasts nicely with the savory pork.

3. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and delicious side dish that pairs well with Pernil. Consider adding some garlic or herbs to the potatoes for extra flavor.

4. Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes with a little rosemary or thyme provide a nice contrast to the rich pork and can help cut through the fat.

5. Yuca: Also known as cassava, yuca is a starchy root vegetable that is a staple in Latin American cuisine. Boiled or fried, yuca is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pernil.

By serving a starchy side dish with your pernil, you can balance the meal and make sure everyone is satisfied. Consider serving a combination of rice and beans, fried plantains, and roasted potatoes to provide a variety of textures and flavors.

Salads to serve with Pernil

While Pernil is a rich and savory dish, it pairs well with fresh and light salads that provide a contrast in texture and flavor. Here are some salad ideas to serve with Pernil:

1. Tomato and Avocado Salad: A simple salad of sliced tomatoes, diced avocado, and a little cilantro and lime juice provides a fresh and flavorful contrast to the rich pork.

2. Cucumber and Red Onion Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed with a little vinegar and oil provide a tangy and refreshing complement to Pernil.

3. Citrus Salad: A salad of mixed citrus (such as oranges, grapefruit, and blood oranges) tossed with a little olive oil and salt provides a bright and zesty contrast to the rich pork.

4. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh and healthy option to serve with Pernil.

5. Roasted vegetable salad: A salad of roasted vegetables (such as beets, carrots, and squash) with a little goat cheese and vinaigrette is a hearty and flavorful complement to Pernil.

By serving a salad with your Pernil, you can add balance to the meal and ensure that everyone gets their daily dose of greens. Plus, many salads pair well with the flavors of Pernil, so you can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.

Sauces and spices for Pernil

Sauces and condiments can add flavor and texture to your Pernil meal. Here are some sauces and condiments to serve with Pernil:

1. Chimichurri: This Argentinean sauce is made with parsley, garlic, vinegar and oil. It provides a spicy and herbaceous complement to the rich pork.

2. Mojo: This Cuban sauce is made with garlic, citrus juice and oil. It provides a spicy and garlicky complement to the pork.

3. Salsa: A simple tomato salsa or a fruit salsa (such as mango or pineapple) can provide a spicy and sweet complement to pernil.

4. Aioli: This garlic mayonnaise is a great complement to the rich flavors of Pernil. Consider adding a little lime juice or chili powder to the aioli for extra flavor.

5. Pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables (such as onions, jalapeños, or cucumbers) provide a tangy, crunchy complement to the pork.

Serving a sauce or condiment with your Pernil can add extra flavor and texture to the meal. Consider serving a few different options so that everyone can find their favorite. Plus, many sauces and condiments can be made ahead of time, making meal prep a little easier.

Drink combinations for Pernil

Sauces and Condiments for Pernil

Sauces and condiments can add flavor and texture to your Pernil meal. Here are some sauces and condiments to serve with Pernil:

1. Chimichurri: This Argentinean sauce is made with parsley, garlic, vinegar and oil. It provides a spicy and herbaceous complement to the rich pork.

2. Mojo: This Cuban sauce is made with garlic, citrus juice and oil. It provides a spicy and garlicky complement to the pork.

3. Salsa: A simple tomato salsa or a fruit salsa (such as mango or pineapple) can provide a spicy and sweet complement to pernil.

4. Aioli: This garlic mayonnaise is a great complement to the rich flavors of Pernil. Consider adding a little lime juice or chili powder to the aioli for extra flavor.

5. Pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables (such as onions, jalapeños, or cucumbers) provide a tangy, crunchy complement to the pork.

Serving a sauce or condiment with your Pernil can add extra flavor and texture to the meal. Consider serving a few different options so that everyone can find their favorite. Plus, many sauces and condiments can be made ahead of time, making meal prep a little easier.

Conclusion

Pernil is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions and holiday meals. By choosing the right sides to serve with Pernil, you can provide balance and contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pork.

Consider serving a combination of vegetables, starchy sides, salads and sauces to provide a variety of textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.

With the right accompaniments and a little planning, you can create a memorable and delicious Pernil meal that everyone will love. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

What are some traditional sides to serve with pernil?

Some traditional sides to serve with pernil include rice and beans, fried plantains, yucca, and a variety of salads and vegetables.

What kind of sauces pair well with pernil?

Some sauces that pair well with pernil include chimichurri, mojo, salsa, aioli, and pickled vegetables.

Can I serve pernil with bread?

Yes, you can serve pernil with bread. Freshly baked bread or rolls are a great way to soak up the juices from the pork and provide a comforting complement to the rich flavors of the dish.

What kind of beverages pair well with pernil?

Some beverages that pair well with pernil include red wine, beer, sangria, or a refreshing citrus-based cocktail.

How can I make sure my pernil meal is balanced and nutritious?

To make sure your pernil meal is balanced and nutritious, consider serving a variety of vegetables, salads, and starchy sides. You can also choose leaner cuts of pork and use healthier cooking methods, such as roasting or grilling, to reduce the fat content of the dish.