Rating: 5 stars
2 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 2
  • 4 star values: 0
  • 3 star values: 0
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

Before: Pork Carnitas Plate. Carnitas are a labor of love, as pork simmers in fat for hours until tender, then gets piled onto a plate with refried beans and rice. Very few veggies find their way into this classic dish.A half-pound of pork is a gracious plenty for these tacos, which are beefed up with pinto beans, Greek yogurt-amped avocado crema, and a crunchy slaw topped with pumpkinseeds. The plant protein sources make up about half the total amount.

Recipe by Cooking Light January 2016

Gallery

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Recipe Summary

hands-on:
25 mins
total:
40 mins
Yield:
Serves 4 (serving size: 2 tacos)
Advertisement

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Combine shallots, stock, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, paprika, pork, and garlic in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 minutes. Remove pork from pan; set aside. Increase heat to medium; cook 8 minutes or until liquid is reduced to about 2 to 3 tablespoons. Shred pork with 2 forks; stir pork and beans into cooking liquid. Mash some of the beans to thicken and bind the mixture.

    Advertisement
  • While pork cooks, combine cabbage, cilantro, 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss well to combine. Sprinkle with pepitas.

  • Combine yogurt, avocado, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; mash to desired consistency.

  • Heat tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a hot cast-iron skillet for 20 seconds on each side or until lightly charred. Divide pork mixture, slaw, and avocado mixture evenly among tortillas.

  • Shredded Chicken Taco Variation: In place of pork tenderloin, use 2 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken thighs. Decrease simmering time from 25 to 15 minutes, and increase smoked paprika to 5/8 teaspoon. Serves 4 (serving size: 2 tacos) CALORIES 392; FAT 3g (sat 2g, mono 9g, poly 3g); PROTEIN 24g; CARB 49g; FIBER 12g; SUGARS 5g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 54mg; IRON 4mg; SODIUM 600mg; CALC 146mg

Nutrition Facts

386 calories; fat 11.2g; saturated fat 1.8g; mono fat 5.5g; poly fat 2.7g; protein 25g; carbohydrates 49g; fiber 12g; cholesterol 37mg; iron 4mg; sodium 580mg; calcium 144mg; sugars 5g.
Advertisement