Carnitas are a delicious Mexican dish made from shredded pork. They are often served with warm tortillas, guacamole, and salsa. But did you know you can make them in a Dutch oven? This easy and flavorful recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
To begin, you’ll need a two-pound pork shoulder roast. Trim off any excess fat and cut the roast into two-inch cubes. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and season with one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the pork is lightly browned.
Next, add one cup of chicken broth and one cup of orange juice to the Dutch oven. Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about an hour until the pork is tender and cooked through.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the Dutch oven and place it on a large plate. Use two forks to shred the pork. Place the shredded pork back in the Dutch oven and stir in one tablespoon of lime juice, one tablespoon of minced garlic, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the pork is lightly browned and cooked through.
Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, guacamole, and salsa. You can also serve with Spanish rice or refried beans. Enjoy!
Making carnitas in a Dutch oven is a great way to enjoy a delicious Mexican dish at home. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. So gather your ingredients and give this easy carnitas recipe a try. Your family and friends are sure to love it!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What is a Dutch oven?
Answer: A Dutch oven is a large heavy cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. It is usually made of cast iron and is used for both stovetop and oven cooking. It is typically used for braising, simmering, and baking, making it ideal for cooking slow-cooked dishes like carnitas.
FAQ 2: What is a carnitas recipe?
Answer: Carnitas is a Mexican dish of slow-cooked pork, typically marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. The pork is then cooked in a Dutch oven until it is tender and juicy, and then shredded and served with a variety of toppings.
FAQ 3: What ingredients are needed for carnitas?
Answer: The ingredients needed for a carnitas recipe typically include pork shoulder, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients like bay leaves, onions, and beer can also be used to add flavor.
FAQ 4: How long does it take to make carnitas?
Answer: The total time required to make carnitas will depend on the size of the pork shoulder and the method used to cook it. Generally, it will take around 4-6 hours to cook carnitas in a Dutch oven over low heat.
FAQ 5: What is the best way to serve carnitas?
Answer: Carnitas can be served as a main course with a variety of accompaniments, such as warm tortillas, diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and guacamole. It can also be served as a topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, and salads.