Pork Carnitas

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This Mexican-inspired meal is an easy crowd-pleaser. Savory pulled pork is served atop crisp corn tortillas and topped with sour cream and salsa in this simple slow-cooker recipe.

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Updated on September 19, 2023

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Prep Time:

10 mins

Additional Time:

4 hrs

Total Time:

4 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Low-Sodium Soy-Free Heart-Healthy High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

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Ingredients

1 (2 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
3 bay leaves
2 (14 ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons finely shredded lime peel
2 tablespoons lime juice
12 (16 inch) crisp corn tortillas (see Tip)
2 scallions, thinly sliced
⅓ cup light dairy sour cream (Optional)
⅓ cup purchased salsa (Optional)

Directions

Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Place in a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker (see Tip).
To make a bouquet garni, cut a 6-inch square from a double thickness of cheesecloth. Place peppercorns, cumin seeds, garlic, oregano, and bay leaves in center of the cheesecloth square. Bring up corners of the cheesecloth and tie with kitchen string. Add to the slow cooker. Add broth.
Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours or on High for 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the slow cooker. Discard the bouquet garni and the cooking liquid. Using two forks, coarsely shred the meat; discard any fat. Sprinkle the meat with lime peel and lime juice; toss to mix. Serve atop tortillas. Top with scallions and if desired, sour cream and salsa.

Tips

Tips: To crisp the tortillas, coat both sides with cooking spray and bake in a 375 degrees F oven for 10 minutes, turning once, until crisped and lightly brown.

For easy cleanup, line your slow cooker with a disposable slow cooker liner. Add ingredients as directed in recipe. Once your dish is finished cooking, spoon the food out of your slow cooker and simply dispose of the liner. Do not lift or transport the disposable liner with food inside.

Equipment: 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, cheesecloth, kitchen string

Originally appeared: Diabetic Living Magazine

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

318	Calories
10g	Fat
24g	Carbs
32g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 2 tortillas and about 1 1/3 cups meat
Calories 318
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 24g	9%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 32g	64%
Total Fat 10g	13%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 90mg	30%
Sodium 377mg	16%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Pork Carnitas

Ingredients

Directions

Tips

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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