If you are feeling adventurous and can come by pigs’ ears (you can ask your butcher to special order them for you), I truly hope you will make this recipe—not only because the texture is unlike anything you have ever had before, but because the boiling liquid is infused with a depth of spices that can be tasted in each crunchy morsel. Just think of this dish as a kind of pork crackling and you will have no problem crunching away!

2 T. Annatto Seeds
4 cloves Garlic, crushed
2 T. Mexican Oregano
Salt
2 Pigs’ Ears
Canola Oil, For Frying

Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the annatto seeds, garlic, oregano, and 2 tablespoons salt. Place the pigs’ ears into the water and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the cartilage can be pierced easily with a fork. Remove from the water to a plate and let the ears cool completely. (Don’t place them on paper towels, as the gelatinous skin will stick and you will be unable to remove the paper.) Cut the pigs’ ears into 1/8- to 1/4-inch (3- to 6-cm) -wide noodle-like strips. Fill a deep pan with l 1/2 inches (4 cm) of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Line a plate with paper towels or parchment paper and have it ready. Carefully slip the pig ear strips into the oil, making sure they don’t stick to each other. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until completely crisp. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon, place on the paper towel-lined plate, and immediately season with salt. Serve immediately.