Chuzos de Cerdo con arepa (pork skewer with arepa)

With the barbecue season approaching as the weather warms up, we need to start thinking about delicious grilled recipes and these pork skewers are not exception. These are normally sold in Colombia, in food trucks or mobile grills on the streets and outside the Stadiums before and after an event and grilled over coals. They are always served with a little arepa on top (arepa recipe at the bottom of the page).

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound pork tenderloin cut in cubes
• 1 big onion cut into 1 inch cubes
• 6 crimini mushrooms

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sour orange marinade
• 1/4 cup beer
• 2 scallions
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon annato or achiote powder (coloring)
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 thyme springs
• 2 garlic cloves
• a pinch chili flakes
• salt and pepper to taste

Wash and dry the pork cubes and rub with salt and pepper, place in a non reactive bowl or a plastic bag. In a blender mix all the marinade ingredients and blend for 2 minutes. Add the marinade to the bowl or bag, cover with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate overnight or at least 3 hours.

Soak the skewers in water ahead of time, so they don't burn when grilling. Preheat the grill to medium high. Ensemble the skewers placing cubes of meat, onion and one mushroom. Sear the skewers on all side and cook for 10 -12 more minutes brushing with the marinade and turning frequently so the meat is cooked all way through.

Serve hot with an arepa on top.

Ingredients for the Arepitas

1 cup precooked white cornmeal
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon room temperature butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a bowl mix all ingredients and work with you hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough is soft and doesn't stick. Divide the dough into 6 portions and form little balls with your hands flatten the surface a little bit.

Heat a "Parrilla" wire grill to medium heat, and place the arepas over the heat of element. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until they're lightly golden brown. These arepas are served with fried chicken, Roasted chicken, carne asada, and many other Colombian dishes.