Are you a fan of tacos and looking for a new twist to the classic recipe? Look no further than carne adovada tacos! This flavorful and spicy dish is a staple in New Mexican cuisine and is gaining popularity across the United States.

What is Carne Adovada?

Carne Adovada is a traditional Mexican dish that features marinated pork in a spicy red chili sauce. The dish originated in New Mexico, where it is commonly served at family gatherings and festivals. The pork is typically slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy, with a rich and bold flavor.

Making Carne Adovada Tacos

Carne Adovada tacos are a simple yet delicious twist on classic tacos. To make Carne Adovada Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. boneless pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup red chile powder
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Corn tortillas
• Toppings: diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado.

Instructions:

• Trim the excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch cubes.

• In a large bowl, mix the red chile powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, vinegar, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper until it forms a paste.

• Add the pork cubes to the paste and mix well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.

• In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the marinated pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides.

• Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

• Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

• Using a fork, shred the pork into small pieces.

• Warm up the corn tortillas on a skillet or griddle.

• To assemble the tacos, place a small amount of shredded pork on each tortilla, followed by diced onion, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

• Serve the tacos hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• You can use different cuts of pork for this recipe, but pork shoulder works best as it’s a tougher cut of meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
• Adjust the amount of red chile powder according to your preference for spiciness.
• You can also add other toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or sour cream.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, you can transfer the pork to a baking dish and cover it with foil before placing it in the oven.
• Leftover Carne Adovada can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Health Benefits and Nutrition of Carne Adovada Tacos:

Carne Adovada Tacos can provide several health benefits and essential nutrients that are important for a healthy diet. Here are some of the health benefits and nutrition facts of Carne Adovada Tacos:

• Protein: Carne Adovada Tacos are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells in the body.
• Iron: The pork in Carne Adovada Tacos is a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body and preventing anemia.
• Vitamin C: The red chile sauce in Carne Adovada Tacos contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage from free radicals and supports a healthy immune system.
• Capsaicin: The red chile sauce also contains capsaicin, which is a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Fiber: If you add fiber-rich toppings like beans, avocado, or vegetables to your Carne Adovada Tacos, you can increase your intake of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

However, it is important to note that Carne Adovada Tacos can also be high in sodium and saturated fat depending on the ingredients used. To make a healthier version of Carne Adovada Tacos, opt for leaner cuts of meat, use low-sodium ingredients, and limit the amount of cheese and sour cream used as toppings.

Wrapping Up:

In conclusion, Carne Adovada Tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chunks of pork that have been marinated in a spicy red chile sauce and then slow-cooked until they are juicy and tender. The dish is a popular staple in many parts of Mexico and the Southwestern United States and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Carne Adovada Tacos are easy to make at home and can be customized to suit individual tastes by adding toppings like guacamole, salsa, and cheese. They are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or for entertaining guests.

FAQ:

Q: What is Carne Adovada?

A: Carne Adovada is a traditional Mexican and Southwestern United States dish made with chunks of pork that have been marinated in a spicy red chile sauce and slow-cooked until tender.

Q: What kind of chiles are used in the red chile sauce?

A: The red chile sauce for Carne Adovada is typically made with New Mexico chiles or other dried red chiles like ancho, guajillo, or pasilla chiles.

Q: Can I use other meats besides pork for Carne Adovada Tacos?

A: While pork is the traditional meat used for Carne Adovada, you can also use other meats like chicken, beef, or lamb.

Q: How do I make Carne Adovada Tacos at home?

A: To make Carne Adovada Tacos at home, you will need to marinate pork chunks in a red chile sauce overnight, then slow-cook them until they are tender. Once the pork is cooked, heat up some tortillas, and top with the carne Adovada and any desired toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese.

Q: What toppings go well with Carne Adovada Tacos?

A: Some popular toppings for Carne Adovada Tacos include diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, sliced avocado or guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice.