Homage to Chipotle’s Carnitas

Succulent Carnitas!

If you have ever had the pleasure of having Carnitas at Chipotle's, you will understand my intense need to re-create this fabulous flavour for a homespun bowl of deliciousness!

You will need a large cut of pork for braising, so shoulder or butt is good.  The KEY is that the piece of meat needs to be cut up into chunks because it will be browned before braising.  Remove any huge fatty chunks.  More surface, more browning, more flavor.

This can also be made with chicken, thigh meat only with skin for browning. 

In a large bowl, coat meat with the following to your taste of intensity:

Salt and pepper

Ground cumin

Garlic salt

Chili powder

Paprika

Lots of oregano. Lots!

About a tbsp of whole cumin seeds ( crucial for the right taste)

Now you need your large Creuset pot!  Brown this meat in canola oil (high heat point and light) until beautiful and crispy...this means, leave it alone to brown for about 6-8 minutes on each side, medium heat so not to burn.

Then add aromatics and liquids listed below to the pot. If too much oil is left over from browning, empty it out first.

The KEY- do not cover the  meat in liquid or you will boil rather than braise this delectable dish.  About  ¾  way to the top is good.

Orange juice

1 orange cut in half

Chicken broth

A couple of onions, roughly chopped

A couple of jalapeño peppers, whole or halved

2-3 whole large garlic cloves

A few of bay leaves, 3-4.

KEY- parchment paper is a must when braising anything.  It magically keeps everything so tender and juicy, so cover your meat with this, push down to touch the food and then put the cover on the pot. 

Let this cook in the oven at 300F degrees for about 3 hours.

These are the garnished we have adored with this dish: 

The TWIST- a fresh and spicy fruit salsa Grapefruit, Pineapple and/or Mango. 

Segment 2 grapefruits, or dice pineapple and mango..amazing together! (a special treat would be to grill the pineapple for a char before dicing...ooouuu!)

To any rendition, ddd some finely diced red onion and jalapeño pepper, red or green.

Add 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. A spritz of lime juice to finish. 

Add chopped cilantro and mint for max flavour. 

Let it sit...

Make Avocado crema, simply mash Avocado, add super virgin olive oil to mix and smooth. Add a nice hit of cayenne pepper and salt to taste. That's it!

Now, to put together your “Chipotle like” bowl or taco- make some brown rice and mix with a bit of lime juice and cilantro, put the pulled or shredded Carnitas on top, add any fresh stuff you love- crispy lettuce, red cabbage, diced tomato, a

and top with the fruity salsa and lots of cilantro.  Maybe even a big dollop of sour cream or better yet, Greek yogourt...DEVOUR!

It’s to die for...as I write this, I am salivating and I just had some leftover Carnitas for lunch!

This is a serious family hit.