Pork Carnitas Nachos with Fresh Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Pork Carnitas:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf

For the Nachos:

• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Carnitas

1. Season the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Add the pork cubes and toss until well coated.

2. Sear the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes, working in batches, and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.

4. Simmer: Return the pork to the pot, adding the orange juice, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

5. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the pot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and increase the heat, simmering until the liquid reduces and pork starts to crisp, about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Layer the Chips: On a large baking sheet, evenly spread out the tortilla chips.

3. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the chips. Layer on the pork carnitas, black beans, and jalapeño slices.

4. Bake: Place the nachos in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove from the oven and top with avocado, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Summary:

This Pork Carnitas Nachos recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of pork carnitas with fresh and vibrant toppings for a deliciously satisfying dish. With a preparation time of about 2 hours and 45 minutes (including cooking and baking) and serving size suitable for large gatherings, it’s the perfect recipe for an impressive nacho spread. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, making it a hearty option for any casual get-together or game day celebration. Enjoy the fusion of melt-in-your-mouth carnitas and crisp, cheesy nachos!