Tacos Al Pastor & the Testing of the Barrel Barbecue

Despite the 80-degree days leading up to Barrel-Test-Day, it rained (hard) when we were all set to grill. With the addition of a friend's sun umbrella we went ahead with the test and we were very pleased with the results. I'll add more air vents and a smoke stack (for flare) before the next test. Thank you Washington State Unemployment Insurance for this wonderful barbecue.

Tacos Al Pastor
(it's enough for a big party, about 15 people, so if you're not serving a hoard cut this recipe in half at least)

marinade:

1 onion, roughly chopped
1 c fresh lime juice
1/2 c white vinegar
1/4 c ground ancho chilies
1/4 c chili powder
1 rounded T kosher salt
1 T dried oregano
1 T cumin
2 large chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
1 T adobo sauce

6 pounds pork loin cut into 1/2 inch chops

• Grind all the marinade ingredients together in a food processor.
• Put the meat into 2 ziplock bags and divide the marinade between them. Squeeze the meat and marinade around to coat.
• Let sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
• Barbecue on your Barrel (or other BBQ, but charcoal will make a difference in the authenticity of the flavor) using direct heat until nicely charred on both sides - about 5 minutes per side.
• Have your friend chop the meat into small, taco-sized pieces.
• Serve with corn tortillas, cilantro pesto, a sprinkle of cojita cheese, and diced white onion that has been mixed with fresh cilantro. Good sides are spanish rice and pinto beans.