Cozumel Shells
Cozumel, a beautiful island off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. But beyond its natural beauty, Cozumel is also home to a fascinating array of sea shells, making it a paradise for shell collectors and beachcombers alike.
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 45 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
Ingredients
Directions
Step 1
Sprinkle sazon seasoning over pork cubes and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to a large zip-top plastic bag. Mix orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin, paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl. Pour into plastic bag with pork; gently squeeze to evenly distribute marinade. Seal bag and place on a plate. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Step 2
Remove pork from marinade; reserve marinade. Heat oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook and stir pork until brown on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Add reserved marinade and enough chicken stock to barely cover the pork. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes. Remove lid and continue to simmer until meat is falling-apart tender, about 45 minutes.
Step 3
Transfer pork with a slotted spoon to a bowl; reserve 1/3 cup of cooking liquid. Cool pork slightly; shred pork with two forks. Mix in reserved cooking liquid, cilantro, and 7 ounces of crumbled queso fresco cheese.
Step 4
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 6
Cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 cups of pasta sauce. Stuff shells with a spoonful of pork mixture and arrange in baking dish. Pour remaining pasta sauce evenly over stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining crumbled queso fresco.
Step 7
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
477
Calories
21g
Fat
46g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Complement
The island's shores are adorned with an abundance of shells, ranging from conch and cowrie shells to scallops and augers. These shells are not only a sight to behold, but they also play an important role in the island's ecosystem, providing homes for various marine creatures and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area. Whether you're strolling along the coastline or snorkeling in the pristine waters, you're bound to encounter an impressive variety of shells, each with its own unique shape, color, and texture. And for those interested in learning more about these fascinating treasures, Cozumel offers opportunities to participate in guided shell-collecting excursions and visit local museums dedicated to the island's marine life. With its rich diversity of shells and vibrant marine environment, Cozumel is a haven for shell enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
