Carnitas

Here’s a kid-friendly recipe for carnitas that is simple and delicious! This version is made in a slow cooker, making it easy to prepare.


Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 orange, juiced (about 1/2 cup of juice)
– 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons of juice)
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, or sour cream
– Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork: Cut the pork into large chunks (about 2-3 inches). This helps it cook evenly.

2. Sear the Pork (Optional): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks and sear them until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the seared pork (or raw pork if you skipped searing) in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the orange and lime juice over the top.

4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

5. Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. You can return it to the slow cooker to mix with the juices or serve it immediately.

6. Serve: Serve the carnitas in tortillas with your choice of toppings like cheese, tomatoes, avocado, or sour cream. You can also serve them with rice or beans for a complete meal.

Tips:
– Adjust the spices to your family’s taste. You can reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder flavor.
– Get the kids involved by letting them help with shredding the pork or adding toppings.

Enjoy your delicious carnitas with the whole family!