Easy Slow Roasted Carnitas

Naturally low carb and gluten-free, these are the best carnitas I have ever tasted. I didnt mind testing this recipe over and over and over.

Easy Slow Roasted Carnitas
Easy Slow Roasted Carnitas

Naturally low carb and gluten-free, these are the best carnitas I have ever tasted. I didnt mind testing this recipe over and over and over.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 8
  • Carbohydrate 2.35634 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 0.068460625 g
  • Fiber 0.497781252145767 g
  • Protein 0.245338125 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.0078603125 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 to 10 serving (48g)
  • Sodium 11.0049466155851 mg
  • Sugar 1.85855874785423 g
  • Trans Fat 0.020804125 g
  • Calories 9 calories

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 300F.
  • Season pork butt all over with salt and pepper.
  • In a large dutch oven, melt lard or duck fat over medium heat. Once hot, add pork roast and brown well on all sides.
  • Add water to the bottom of the pan. Hand squeeze the juice of the orange sections and lime sections into the pan and add the rind as well. Add cumin, oregano, chipotle, and garlic. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer the pot to the oven.
  • Let cook 5 hours, until pork is tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.
  • Remove from the liquids onto a foil lined cookie sheet and let stand until cool enough to shred with your hands (some bigger pieces are okay).
  • Spread pork out over cookie sheet and set under the broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to get pork pieces nice and crisp.
  • Meanwhile, remove orange and lime rinds from the liquids in the pot. Set over medium high heat and bring a boil. Cook until liquids are reduced by half.
  • Add crispy pork back into the liquids and toss to combine. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice and top with your favourite fixings like cheese, guacamole, and cilantro.

My Unexpected Carnitas Adventure: A Culinary Journey

As a busy working mom, finding time for anything beyond the daily grind can feel like a Herculean task. Dinner, especially, often feels like a battle against the clock. Yet, there's a deep satisfaction in creating something delicious and nourishing for my family. This is how I discovered my love for carnitas, a dish that initially seemed intimidating, but ultimately turned out to be surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.

My journey with this recipe began with a simple craving. I wanted something flavorful, something comforting, something that wouldn't require me to spend hours in the kitchen. I stumbled upon this slow-roasted carnitas recipe, and despite my initial skepticism – I'm not exactly known for my culinary expertise – I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that this culinary adventure would transform my perception of cooking, turning it from a chore into a joyful expression of creativity and care.

The process itself was surprisingly straightforward. The slow roasting allowed me to focus on other tasks while the pork butt magically transformed in the oven. The beautiful aroma filling my kitchen was a constant reminder of the deliciousness waiting for us at dinner. The most challenging part was resisting the urge to sneak a bite while it was still cooking! The rich flavors, the tender texture – it was a revelation.

The simplicity of this recipe is its greatest strength. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required. It's a recipe that even the most kitchen-challenged individual can master. The combination of simple ingredients creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The beauty of carnitas lies in its versatility. Serve it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply on its own. The possibilities are endless.

This recipe has become a staple in my home. It's a quick weeknight meal and also easily adaptable for larger gatherings. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack. Beyond the deliciousness, making carnitas has become a form of self-care. It's a moment of peace in my otherwise chaotic day, a time to connect with my creativity and provide nourishment for my family. It’s become a symbol of my ability to create something beautiful and satisfying even amidst the busyness of life.

The secret, I’ve found, is not in following the recipe precisely but in embracing the process. Feel free to experiment with the spices, to adjust the cooking time according to your oven, to add your own personal touches. Cooking, after all, is an act of self-expression, a journey of discovery. And this recipe is a perfect starting point for that journey. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a complete beginner like I was, these slow-roasted carnitas will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So, get ready to embark on your own culinary adventure, and discover the simple joy of creating something truly delicious.

Beyond the delicious food, I’ve found that the process of making carnitas has become a form of mindfulness. The slow cooking time allows me to disconnect from the constant demands of modern life and focus on the present moment. The simple act of chopping vegetables, seasoning the meat, and stirring the pot brings a sense of calm and tranquility. It's a small act of self-care in a busy world, a time to de-stress and connect with something bigger than myself.

And finally, the sharing of this meal is the most rewarding part. Watching my family enjoy the fruits of my labor, sharing laughter and stories around the dinner table – it’s these moments that make all the effort worthwhile. It’s a reminder that food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way to nourish our bodies and our souls, a way to create lasting memories and strengthen our connections with loved ones. This slow-roasted carnitas recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those we love.