Introduction
Delve into a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender pork with a rich sauce, infusing your meal with vibrant flavors. This recipe marries the smokiness of chipotle peppers with the zest of fresh orange juice, creating a savory stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos, and enjoy a taste of culinary delight.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pork:
1.5 kg (3 lb) pork shoulder, skinless and boneless, cut into 6 equal pieces
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp cumin powder
Sauce:
200 g (7 oz) chipotle in adobo (including both chilies and sauce)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
¼ cup tomato paste
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth
2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
3 cans (420 g / 16 oz each) butter beans (lima beans) or beans of choice
Dried Herbs & Spices:
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp allspice powder
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The total time, including preparation, is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy this delightful dish that combines convenience and flavor.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens.
Prepare Chipotle Puree
Blend the chipotle in adobo until smooth using a stick blender or similar device.
Season Pork
Sprinkle pork pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and cumin powder.
Brown Pork
In a large oven-proof pot, heat olive oil over high heat. Brown the pork pieces in two batches, approximately 1 minute per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. If the pot is dry, add an additional tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin powder, coriander powder, and allspice powder for about 3 minutes.
Cook Tomato Paste and Chipotle
Add tomato paste to the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the chipotle puree and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add Liquids and Pork
Pour in the fresh orange juice, low-sodium chicken stock, and add bay leaves and salt. Stir to combine. Return the browned pork pieces to the pot, ensuring they are submerged as much as possible.
Slow Cook
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours.
Add Beans and Continue Cooking
Remove the pot from the oven, add the drained butter beans, and stir gently. Return the pot to the oven without the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the surface to caramelize.
Serve
Once the pork is fork-tender, serve the dish as a stew over Mexican red rice or with tortillas for dipping. Alternatively, use it as a filling for tacos, garnished with finely chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Pork Choice
Using a skinless and boneless pork shoulder ensures tenderness during cooking.
Chipotle Adjustment
Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo according to your desired spice level.
Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so check the pork for tenderness as needed.
Bean Variations
Butter beans can be substituted with other beans of choice, such as black beans or pinto beans.
Garnish Ideas
Consider adding additional toppings such as crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to the specified temperature to ensure even cooking throughout the dish. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor.
Blending Ingredients
Use a stick blender to puree chipotle in adobo until smooth. This technique ensures a consistent flavor distribution in the sauce.
Seasoning the Meat
Evenly sprinkle salt, pepper, and cumin powder on the pork pieces. Proper seasoning enhances the meat’s flavor and prepares it for browning.
Browning the Pork
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof pot over high heat to achieve a good sear on the pork. Browning locks in moisture and adds depth to the overall flavor.
Sautéing Aromatics
Cook onion, garlic, and dried spices in oil to release their flavors. This technique creates a rich base for the sauce.
Integrating Tomato Paste and Chipotle
Cooking the tomato paste with the aromatics before adding liquids enhances the flavor profile and caramelizes the sugars in the paste.
Slow Cooking
Cover the pot and cook in the oven for a long, slow duration to tenderize the pork and allow the flavors to meld.
Adding Beans
Incorporate drained beans toward the end of cooking to warm them through without overcooking. This maintains their texture and adds a hearty element to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving as a stew over rice or using as a filling for tacos. Garnishing enhances presentation and adds freshness to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork butt or tenderloin, but cooking times may vary. Ensure the meat is tender before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Follow the same steps for browning and preparing the sauce, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To reduce spiciness, use fewer chipotles or substitute with milder peppers. To increase heat, add more chipotle or other hot peppers.
What garnishes work well with this dish?
Garnishes such as chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.
Can this dish be frozen for later use?
Yes, once cooled, the stew can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This flavorful pork shoulder dish is a delightful blend of smokiness from the chipotle, sweetness from the orange juice, and earthiness from the spices. It transforms into a hearty, comforting stew that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. The addition of butter beans not only enhances the texture but also makes it a complete meal.
Paper Wrapped Pork Tacos
Switch up your serving style by using the pork as a filling for paper-wrapped tacos. The tender meat, combined with fresh toppings like cabbage slaw and a tangy sauce, will create a fun, interactive dining experience.
Pork and Bean Chili
Transform the leftover dish into a delicious chili by adding more beans, fresh tomatoes, and spices. Serve with cornbread for a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Pork Burrito Bowls
Layer the pulled pork over rice or quinoa in a bowl, adding toppings like corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream. It offers a fresh take on traditional burrito flavors.
Chipotle Pork Enchiladas
Use the seasoned pork as a filling for enchiladas. Roll it in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until golden. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Pork Sandwiches
Create delicious pulled pork sandwiches by shredding the cooked pork and serving it on crusty bread or buns with a side of pickled onions and coleslaw for added crunch.
Pork and Rice Casserole
Combine the cooked pork with rice, additional vegetables, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly for an easy one-dish comfort food meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the pork mixture as a stuffing for halved bell peppers, topped with cheese and baked until the peppers are tender. It’s a nutritious and visually appealing dish.
