Crispy Pig Ear Salad with Mint and Black Mission Figs

Mexicans are known for their “whole animal cooking,” and nowhere is this more fully applied than to the whole pig. Orejas de cerdo (pig ears) are typically prepared in the style of carnitas, in a caldo of dark, sweetened pork lard used for frying seasoned cuts of pig. They can be served crispy, or bathed in salsa verde, which hydrates them, transforming the texture. I love pig ears in salad. Actually a delicacy (as there are only two ears per animal), these add a crunchy texture with an une