This recipe delivers incredibly tender slow-roasted pork designed for rich, savory enchiladas. A simple but potent rub of salt and chipotle chile powder coats the pork shoulder before it goes into a long, slow braise. The result is smoky, spicy meat that falls apart with the touch of a fork. It is a perfect weekend cooking project that yields fantastic shredded pork for family dinners.
Servings
4
Cuisine
Mexican
Ingredients
2½–3 lb (1.1–1.4 kg) pork shoulder roast (Boston butt)
2 tbsp (30 g) salt
1 tbsp (9 g) chipotle chile powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil
½ medium white onion, sliced
8 Roma tomatoes, dry roasted and peeled ( here )
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
1 habanero chile, cut in half
1 tsp salt
12 corn tortillas, fresh or good-quality store-bought
2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil
1 cup (130 g) shredded Monterey Jack or Chihuahua cheese
½ red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
1Set your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2Wash the pork roast under cool running water and dry it thoroughly with paper towels.
3Mix the salt and chipotle powder together in a small bowl. Massage this spice blend all over the pork to coat every side completely.
4Transfer the seasoned meat to a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Seal the top tightly with a heavy lid or two layers of aluminum foil.
5Bake for 3½ to 4 hours. The meat is ready when it yields easily and falls apart under the pressure of a fork.
6Take the pan out of the oven and let the meat rest covered for 15 minutes. Move the pork to a cutting board and pull it apart into thick shreds using two forks. Discard the leftover liquid in the pan and keep the shredded meat ready for your enchiladas.