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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Carnitas

I had a hankerin' for Carnitas a while back (can't believe how long it took me to get to this post.. Yikes!), but I had never actually made it before.  I took a quick search on line for some "authentic" recipes and just couldn't bring myself to make it the classic way.  The authentic/classic way, from what I could find, is to cook the meat in lard.  Yes, you read that correctly... LARD.  Now I know it is used to make that meat succulent and unbelievably good, BUT, I knew I could probably get pretty close, without having to do something that makes me believe I will be arrested for doing.  SOOOO, with a little more searching, I found one I thought would be the perfect substitution.  This might not be authentic, but that's okay, I'm part German and Italian, no one really expected me to make authentic Mexican food properly, did they? :)

Carnitas
Adapted from The Food Network
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs country style pork ribs
1 Tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 lime, juiced and zested
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 cup water
3 garlic cloves, quartered
1 jalapeno, roughly chopped

Directions:
Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs; rubbing it into the meat.  Season all sides with oregano, cumin and the lime zest.  Season liberally with salt and pepper.

In a crock pot, add the lime juice, liquid smoke, water, garlic cloves and jalapeno.  Place the pork on top and cover with a lid.  Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.  Pork should just fall apart when try to pick it out of the pot.  Remove from liquid and allow to cool before serving.  Serve with tortillas, avocado, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, whatever you desire..... the pork is the true star to this dish!  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Green Sauce
Two Years Ago:  Chorizo and Shrimp Naan Pizza
Three Years Ago:  Hot Honeyed Grilled Chicken

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I am craving for some carnitas now! Totally blaming you Jenn :) They look so good... it doesn't matter if it's authentic or not.

Robyn said...

Those big chunks of avocado on the top are just the icing on the cake! looks delish!

The Flavorland Chef. said...

Oh god you're totally ruining my "going vegetarian for a while" mood with those gorgeous pictures :)

Mom said...

These look SO good. Too bad I went to the grocery store already or they'd be on tonight's menu! Perhaps they will. What's another trip to the store with such "low" gas prices!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

I'm with you on the lard! If I want to put some crispy edges on my carnitas, I sauté it in a little olive oil just before serving. I just can't wrap my mind around eating lard!

Pam said...

I think they look delicious. Carnitas are a favorite of mine. YUM.

Angie's Recipes said...

They look mouthwatering!

Chris said...

Thanks to the commercials in the early 80s, I can't hear the word "hankerin'" without singing the "Hankerin' for a hunk o' cheese" song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xRv9ZQOCPo

Unknown said...

OMG Chris.. I so remember that commercial!! HAHAHA!! Oh wow, thanks for posting that link!!! hahaha!!

Lea Ann said...

I have never made carnitas, and I must. I'll use this recipe. Pinned