Southwestern pork carnitas filling

The following recipe was prepared for my Tamales cooking class. You can read about my class and get other links to recipes HERE.

Southwestern pork carnitas filling

3-5 lbs pork butt or shoulder
1/2 cup southwest seasoning
2-4 tablespoons canola oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a dutch oven, place your pork and coat with seasoning on all sides until completely covered.
Drizzle oil over the pork.
Cover dutch oven and bake in preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours until completely cooked.
Allow to cool on a large cutting board.
When cooled, shred or chop up the pork into bite sized pieces.
Place in a bowl, cover and chill until ready to fill tamales.

Southwestern Pork Carnitas Filling

Southwestern pork carnitas filling is a traditional Mexican dish that is savored for its unique flavor, aroma, and texture. This dish consists of two main components: a succulent pork-based stew and a crispy sautéed filling. The pork-based stew is created with herbs, spices, and chilies which creates an aromatic and flavorful foundation for the stew. Once cooked, it is then topped with a crispy sautéed filling, which is composed of cilantro, jalapenos, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Pork is widely recognized for its nutritional value, flavor, and versatility so when used for this particular dish, it is important to select quality, pasture-raised, lean cuts of pork that have been well-marbled with fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of pork is best for southwestern pork carnitas filling?
A: Quality, pasture-raised, lean cuts of pork that have been well-marbled with fat are ideal in order to create a juicy, flavorful stew.

Q: How do you add a finishing touch to the stew?
A: The sautéed filling is an ideal accompaniment for the stew and adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. It is typically composed of the same ingredients used to make the stew and is cooked in a hot skillet until the ingredients are crisp and lightly charred.

Q: What are some traditional spices that are used for southwestern pork carnitas filling?
A: Cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder are all traditional spices commonly used for southwestern pork carnitas filling.

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