Pork Carnitas (Naturally Gluten-Free)
Carnitas — pork confit in its own fat, finished until crispy and pulled — is one of Mexico's most satisfying preparations and is naturally gluten-free. The method involves simmering pork shoulder in lard (or a water-lard combination) with aromatics (orange, milk, garlic, bay, cumin) until completely yielding, then increasing the heat and cooking the pork in the rendered fat until caramelised and slightly crisp on the edges. The milk may seem an incongruous addition, but it is traditional and essential — the proteins in the milk caramelise during the cooking and give the pork a slightly sweet, complex flavour that lard and aromatics alone cannot produce. Served with corn tortillas (GF), guacamole, salsa, and lime — a complete, naturally gluten-free meal.
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Origin & Lineage
Michoacán, Mexico; carnitas is the signature preparation of Michoacán state; the lard-confited pork tradition has pre-colonial roots adapted through Spanish introduction of pigs.