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Carne Adovada

Carne Adovada: A Smoky, Comforting Stew You'll Love

Carne Adovada is a smoky stew with tender pork in a rich red chile sauce, perfect for busy weeks or gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: New Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 3 lbs boneless pork butt or shoulder A tender cut ideal for slow cooking.
For the Sauce
  • 4 pieces dried ancho chiles Remove stems and seeds.
  • 4 pieces pasilla or New Mexico chiles A mix delivers the best results.
  • 2 pieces chipotles in adobo sauce Adjust based on spice preference.
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water Base for the sauce.
  • 1 cup white wine vinegar Elevates the flavor profile.
  • 2 tbsp honey Balances the heat.
  • 4 cloves garlic Essential for aromatic depth.
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin Infuses a warm, earthy essence.
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves Use cautiously.
  • 1 tbsp sea salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 small onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil For sautéing.
  • 2 pieces bay leaves Remove before serving.
  • 1 to taste black pepper Essential for flavor.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender
  • Large Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat the pork dry and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Combine dried chiles and chicken broth in a saucepan. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Blend the softened chiles with spice ingredients until smooth.
  4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (if baking).
  5. Sear pork in a Dutch oven until golden brown on all sides.
  6. Sauté onions in the same pot until translucent, then add garlic.
  7. Combine the smooth chili sauce with pork and simmer, covered, for 2-2.5 hours.
  8. Adjust sauce consistency as needed and season to taste.
  9. Serve warm with tortillas, rice, and beans after removing bay leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let Carne Adovada rest after cooking for enhanced flavors. Ideal for make-ahead meals.

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