Prickly Pork: A Unique Crockpot Delight
Description
Indulge in this remarkable Prickly Pork recipe, where tender boneless pork blade roast meets the vibrant flavors of nopalitos, or cactus pieces. Known for their mild, artichoke-like taste, nopalitos lend a unique twist to this dish, which can be enjoyed on its own, wrapped in taco shells, or nestled in soft tortillas. This easy-to-follow crockpot recipe yields outstanding results, perfect for a family meal or a casual gathering.
Cook Time: 6 hours
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Pork
Rating: ★★★★★ (4 reviews)
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Boneless pork blade roast |
| 1 | Teaspoon salt |
| ½ | Teaspoon black pepper |
| 1 | Teaspoon ground cumin |
| 4 | Cloves garlic (minced) |
| 1 | Teaspoon Mexican oregano |
| 1 | Can of nopalitos (rinsed and drained) |
| 1 | Yellow onion (sliced) |
| ¾ | Cup salsa |
| Flour tortillas (for serving) | |
| Lettuce (for garnish) | |
| Cheese (for garnish) | |
| Sour cream (for garnish) | |
| Additional salsa (for serving) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 527.6 |
| Total Fat | 36.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 161 mg |
| Sodium | 1018 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 2.7 g |
| Protein | 41.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork: Start by cutting the boneless pork blade roast into large chunks. Season the meat generously with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, minced garlic, and Mexican oregano, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
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Layer in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned pork at the bottom of your crockpot, forming a solid base for the dish.
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Add the Vegetables: Next, layer the rinsed and drained nopalitos along with the sliced yellow onion over the pork. This combination of ingredients will meld beautifully during cooking.
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Top with Salsa: Pour the salsa evenly over the top of the nopalitos and onions, adding a delicious depth of flavor that will infuse the pork as it cooks.
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Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and set it to low, allowing the mixture to cook for 6 hours. The pork will become tender and pullable with a fork, making it easy to shred.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, strain the meat and vegetables from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the pork and mix it with the vegetable mixture, incorporating a bit of the cooking juice if you prefer a moister dish.
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Enjoy Your Meal: Serve the delectable shredded meat mixture in warm flour tortillas or taco shells, accompanied by fresh lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and additional salsa for a delightful culinary experience.
Final Notes
This Prickly Pork recipe is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that brings a taste of Mexico right to your table. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
