Carnitas Crock Pot Recipe: A Slow-Cooked Journey to Deliciousness
Guide or Summary：Ingredients:Instructions:Embarking on a culinary adventure with our Carnitas Crock Pot recipe is like inviting flavor and tenderness into y……
Guide or Summary：
Embarking on a culinary adventure with our Carnitas Crock Pot recipe is like inviting flavor and tenderness into your home. This slow-cooked masterpiece is a blend of tradition and ease, ensuring your mealtime experience is both delightful and stress-free. Dive into the world of slow cooking with our step-by-step guide to crafting a mouthwatering carnitas that will have your guests clamoring for more.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 corn tortillas, warmed
Instructions:
1. **Preparation:** Begin by seasoning your pork pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork pieces on all sides until they develop a nice, golden-brown crust. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
2. **Crock Pot Assembly:** In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to create a flavorful spice rub. Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to toast slightly.
3. **Crock Pot Cooking:** Transfer the seared pork pieces, along with the spice rub, to your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and water. Stir everything together to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the spices and liquids.
4. **Cooking Time:** Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low will result in tender, falling-off-the-bone carnitas. However, if you're short on time, the high setting will still yield delicious, though less tender, carnitas.
5. **Finishing Touches:** Once the pork is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serving:** Warm your tortillas either on a skillet or in the microwave. Serve the carnitas on the warm tortillas, garnished with your favorite toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime. Enjoy your slow-cooked feast with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
Our Carnitas Crock Pot recipe is a testament to the power of slow cooking, transforming ordinary ingredients into a dish that's both comforting and impressive. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy home cooks and carnitas enthusiasts alike. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and embark on a flavorful journey that promises to leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Bon appétit!