Carnitas Crock Pot Style

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*1 (3-4 pounds) Pork Shoulder/Butt Roast, Frozen, thaw in refrigerator

*2 cups Chicken Broth/Stock, low sodium

*1 large Onions, cut in wedges

*1 large Poblano Pepper, quartered

*1-2 whole Limes, quartered

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Rub Spices

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*1 large Orange, cut in wedges

*2 tablespoons dried Minced Garlic

*2 tablespoons dried Minced Onion

*1 1/2 teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper

*2 teaspoons Sea Salt, or to taste

*2 teaspoons dried Oregano

*1 teaspoon Cumin

*2 teaspoon Chili Powder

*1 tablespoon Dark Chocolate Powder

*3 tablespoons Extra Light Olive Oil, used for browning pork

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Optional Toppings:

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*Saved Cooked Onions and Poblano Peppers

*Monterey Jack Cheese, Pepper Jack, etc…

*Pico de Gallo or Salsa

*Shredded Lettuce or Cole Slaw Mix

*Avocados, Cut into chunks

*Green Onions, sliced

*Chopped Cilantro

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**Use a Crock Pot with liner for easy clean up.

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Layer in the crock pot with the onions, poblano pepper , limes and orange wedges. Pour in Chicken Broth and place pork roast on top of the vegetable mixture.

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Combine the rub ingredients and sprinkle over the meat and vegetables.

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Set on high heat for 6 1/2 to 8 hours or on low heat for 8-9 hours.  My roast was frozen, so if you are worried about safety, thaw the roast in refrigerator before cooking and cook according to your crock pot instructions.

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Remove the cooked roast from crock pot and place onto platter and shred the pork (removing any fat pieces) with two forks.

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Remove the cooked lime and orange wedges and discard.

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Remove the cooked peppers, onions and save for using on carnitas if desired.

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Now take the remaining juices and place in a sauce pan and simmer them until the juices thicken.

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*Note: I like to do the above steps the day before and refrigerate the pulled pork, thickened juices, peppers and onion mixture. Then do the last step of browning and re-warming the next day of serving.

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Browning Shredded Pork

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In a large heated cast iron skillet on medium-low heat add Olive Oil and spread evenly in the skillet the cooked pulled pork. Do not stir for 3-5 minutes, checking after 3 minutes for browning.

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After the pulled pork has browned add some of the thickened sauce, stir until pork is covered in sauce and serve in flour or corn tortillas.

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Add desired toppings: Monterey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded Lettuce or pre-shredded Cole Slaw Mix, Pico de Gallo or Salsa , Chunks of Avocado and Cilantro.

 

Also see our Fiesta / Party

 

Enjoy!

Lindy