Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Fall is here and it’s time to get out the slow cooker.  This recipe features pork carnitas that are easy to prepare and then let the slow cooker do its job.  The mix of spices and herbs with the pork into warmed tortillas is mouth watering.  Try it, you’ll like it!

Recipe by Erin Parker

Author: Michelle Hanson

Michelle Hanson, MA, RD, LD is Fresh & Natural Food’s Registered Dietitian. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics with a minor in Community Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is a registered dietitian and current member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Michelle has been a nutrition consultant for numerous years as well as a nutrition research director at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Michelle is passionate about food and nutrition and believes in helping people find simple, realistic ways to make healthy eating a part of their everyday lifestyle.
If you are interested in meeting Michelle or have questions for her, you can email her at: michelle@fnfoods.com. She will look forward to meeting you!

Servings: 12 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Ready in: 4 hours and 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• One 4-lb. boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Tortillas and desired toppings: cilantro, chopped onion, radish slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Stir together garlic powder, cumin, salt, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Rub mixture evenly over pork. Put bay leaves and broth into a 31/2-4-qt slow cooker, then add pork.
2. Cook, covered, until pork is very tender, 4-5 hours on High or 8-10 hours on Low.
3. Transfer pork to a cutting board and shred with 2 forks; transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Skim fat from cooking liquid and use liquid as needed to moisten pork.
4. If desired, serve on tortillas with desired toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information Per 4 oz. Serving: (Not including tortilla and toppings) 169 Cals; 7 g Fat; 24g Protein; 10g Carb (0g Fiber and 0g Sugar); 444mg sodium