Slow Cooker Carne Adovada Cemitas
07
A couple weeks ago, I took a few cookbooks and went into the kids’ playroom and asked Zachary if he wanted to help. The first book he chose to flip through was The New Southwest. When he came to these sandwiches, he said, “I want to have these next week.” A quick scan of the ingredient list confirmed we would love these, and then seeing they were made in a slow cooker sealed the deal. One meal down!
These sandwiches are made with shredded pork that has a double-spice effect: a little heat (from the New Mexico chiles, which are not overtly spicy) and Mexican canela or cinnamon. They’re topped with cheese (any kind you want to use will work, really) and creamy avocado. Served on a bun, they’re a welcome change from your standard pulled pork recipe, and one our entire family enjoyed. I actually made a similarly-spiced pork dish a few months back that was cooked with hominy instead of made into a sandwich, and although we liked it, I really think this version blew it out of the water. So even if I decide to go the non-sandwich route next time, I plan on using this recipe for the meat.
I will say that although the prep for the slow-cooking part of this is basically non-existent there is some work to be done after. You need to make a sauce, and then simmer the shredded pork in the sauce for about 20 minutes. I decided to make the sauce the day before and just refrigerated it right in the medium stockpot I used to make it, where the shredded pork went the following day. As it simmered to thicken, I of course did very important things like changing out of my work clothes, because if I cannot be in yoga pants at home, then what’s the point of even being at home?
Carne Adovada Cemitas
Adapted from The New Southwest
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
4 springs fresh thyme
2 sticks canela or cinnamon sticks
3 oz. dried New Mexican red chiles, divided
4 cups chicken broth
1 pork shoulder or pork roast, about 3 lbs.
1 Tbsp. oil
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup honey*
1 Tbsp. cumin
For serving:
8 sesame-topped sandwich rolls (cemita rolls if available), split
butter for rolls
2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella or chihuahua)
3-4 avocados, sliced
sliced white onion
chopped cilantro
Stir together the oregano, thyme, canela, 2 chile pods (2 chiles, not 2 oz.), and broth in the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the pork (you may want to add additional broth or water depending on your slow cooker). Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-11 hours on low. Remove the pork and shred with two forks. Skim the fat off the top of the cooking liquid, and then reserve 2 cups of the liquid.
Remove the stems and as many seeds as possible from the remaining chiles. Place them in a heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat, stirring to allow even toasting, for approximately 3-4 minutes. Add enough water to cover the pods. Bring to a boil and then cook for 15-20 minutes until chiles are tender and pliable. Remove chiles and discard water.
Heat the oil in the now-empty stockpot and saute the onion until tender. Add the garlic, cooking about a minute, until fragrant. Place in the bowl of a food processor (or leave in the pot if using an immersion blender). Add the vinegar, honey, cumin, salt and pepper, and the boiled chiles. Process until smooth.
Place the sauce, shredded pork, and 2 cups of reserved cooking liquid in the stockpot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and reduce the sauce. Season to taste.
Heat butter in a skillet, and then toast the insides of the buns. Serve the pork on the toasted buns, topped with cheese, sliced avocado, onion, and cilantro.
*Note: As I was making this, I realized I only had about 1-2 Tbsp. of honey left (see my earlier comment about forgetting food on the grocery list…) and ended up using a couple tablespoons of brown sugar in its place.
Good job enlisting the kiddo in menu planning help! I mean, that’s what he’s there for, right? These sound so tasty. I love everything I’ve ever made from Scarletta Bakes!
I always think meal planning will mean less trips to the grocery store. But like you, I always end up there multiple times a week anyway.
Wonderful and honest post – meal planning, shopping, preparation – even though we love doing it for our families – some days really is a challenge. Go Zachary for picking this!
Zachary did a great job. So what did he think of his choice after you fixed it? You know that small gesture gave him a sense of having a little power in the family. Yes all the planning and shopping gets tiresome after a while. I am still amazed at your great idea involving you kids. Such a creative idea.
He really loved it and had a second serving of pork. 🙂
Making this tonight! I love how you post lots of slow cooker recipes. As a new mom, I SO appreciate them!
Happy to help, Amanda. I didn’t used to use the slow cooker much, but now it’s VERY handy. It can be hard finding recipes without processed ingredients, too. Enjoy the pork!