Pernil con Papas

Pernil con Papas is a classic Puerto Rican comfort dish featuring slow-roasted pork shoulder (pernil) cooked with potatoes (papas) in a rich, savory gravy. The pork is traditionally marinated in a blend of garlic, oregano, and vinegar, then roasted until tender and served alongside potatoes that absorb the flavorful drippings. It's a staple of family gatherings and holiday meals throughout the Caribbean.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat from the pork shoulder, with moderate carbohydrates from the potatoes. A single serving provides significant amounts of B vitamins, iron, and potassium, and typically ranges from 500-700 calories depending on the cut of pork and portion size.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	620 kcal
Protein	42 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	38 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	680 mg
Potassium	850 mg
Vitamin B6	0.8 mg
Niacin (B3)	12 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Zinc	5.5 mg
Phosphorus	380 mg
Selenium	45 mcg
Vitamin C	15 mg

Per 1 serving (about 250 g pork and 150 g potatoes) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The slow-roasting method for pernil creates a prized crispy skin (cuero) while keeping the meat incredibly tender, a technique central to Puerto Rican culinary tradition. Nutritionally, the combination of protein-rich pork and potassium-rich potatoes makes it a hearty, energy-dense meal historically valued for sustaining manual laborers and large families.