Carnitas (little pieces of browned pork)

6 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
3 pounds Pork shoulder, skin and bone removed *
Cold water
2 teaspoons Salt, or to taste

Directions

* There is no need for an expensive cut. Shoulder, butt, or country-style spareribs are all suitable.

Cut the meat, with the fat, into strips about 2 x ¾ inches. Barely cover the meat with water, add the salt, and bring to a boil, uncovered.

Lower the flame and let the meat continue cooking briskly until all of the liquid has evaporated -- by this time it should be cooked through but not falling apart.

Lower the flame a little and continue cooking the meat until all of the fat has been rendered out of it. Keep turning the meat until it is lightly browned all over, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The meat will get more evenly cooked if the dish is rather large and shallow. Do not add too much water at the beginning or the meat will fall apart at the frying stage. If the meat is still fairly hard when the water has evaporated, then add a little more water and continue cooking. Choose pork that has a fair amount of fat or you will have to add some lard for it to brown properly.

Makes 6 servings.

"Certainly throughout the central part of Mexico, carnitas (literally 'little meats') are the very favorite snack. They can be crisp or juicy, with a little bone or without, and sometimes mixed with the soft rind and little bits of fat all chopped up together. Whatever you choose, douse it well with a fresh sauce (Salsa Mexicano Cruda), Salsa de Tomate Verde Cruda, or Guacamole---and wrap it in a hot, floppy tortilla--the simplest and most delicious taco." [The Cuisines of Mexico; Diana Kennedy; ISBN 0-06-091561-7] Posted by Fred Peters.

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