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To make authentic carne adovada, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The main ingredient is pork shoulder. It has the right fat and flavor. You'll also need dried New Mexico chiles or ancho chiles. These chiles give the dish its rich taste.

Fall Apart Tender Carne Adovada Recipe

Discover the secrets to making Fall Apart Tender Carne Adovada with this simple recipe! Perfect for any occasion, this dish features succulent pork shoulder simmered in a rich, spicy red chile sauce. Learn essential tips for achieving tender meat and explore creative serving ideas, from tacos to burrito bowls. Don't wait – click through now to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of New Mexico to your kitchen!

Ingredients
  

3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks

4 dried New Mexico chiles (or ancho chiles), stems and seeds removed

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Warm tortillas, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chiles: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the dried chiles for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, flipping them occasionally. Be careful not to burn them.

    Blend the Sauce: Transfer the toasted chiles to a blender. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

      Sear the Pork: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks in batches and brown them evenly on all sides. Remove the pork and set it aside.

        Combine and Simmer: Once all the pork is browned, pour the blended chile sauce into the same Dutch oven, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Return the pork to the pot and ensure it’s all coated in the sauce.

          Slow Cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily falls apart. If you have more time, cooking it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours works wonderfully too.

            Finishing Touches: After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth.

              Serve: Shred the tender pork directly in the sauce and serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro alongside warm tortillas for making tacos.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Carne Adovada in a large bowl with cilantro sprinkled on top. Add a stack of tortillas on the side and a small bowl of lime wedges for an extra zest. Enjoy!