Mexican Pork Carnitas

Yesterday, having completed a marathon a few days before, I was still in what I call 'recovery'. Every muscle was pretty unhappy with me for walking it through 26.2 miles (42k). So looking at the diced pork planned for dinner - I wasn't up to much excitement. I was however up for something I could put on to cook and walk away from for a couple of hours. So I made Carnitas. No, probably not 100% authentic - but they were delicious.

Carnitas, literally "little meats", and is a dish from Mexico. Its not a million miles away from pulled pork but cooked this way, its a few hours quicker!

Ingredients:

350g diced pork
1 small onion, sliced
1 tbsp. oil
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. sugar
salt & pepper

Method:

Fry the onion in the oil on a medium heat until soft. Add the smoked paprika, cumin and cinnamon. Stir quickly through then add the pork. Cook for another couple of minutes, adding a tiny bit more oil if needed.

Then add the oregano, sugar and 320ml (one and a half cups) of water. Cook with the lid half on for 2 hours, checking the water doesn't completely evaporate. It should thicken to a perfect sauce.

Serve with corn tortillas softened in the microwave for 30 seconds. And sour cream/lettuce. Great example of Mexican street food and rather delicious.